Walter Fontaine

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Walter Fontaine, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15, embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. In the face of intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from the whole enemy formation, under extremely hazardous combat conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fontaine participated in a bombing attack on the Japanese Battleship Nagato. Fearlessly maneuvering through withering hostile fire of all calibers, he pressed home his attack and, by his expert airmanship, obtained a direct hit which caused certain damage. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fontaine’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)