Leonard Wilson Thornhill

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Leonard Wilson Thornhill, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.