John Smith Thach

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John Smith Thach, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. The outstanding courage and determined skill displayed by Lieutenant Commander Thatch were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Smith Thach, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron THREE (VF3), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. Lieutenant Commander Thatch intercepted an enemy four-engine bomber, determinedly pursued it through clouds and heavy rain, and assisted in shooting it down despite heavy machine gun and cannon fire. Later that day, he intercepted and shot down another aircraft during an attack directed at his carrier by nine enemy bombers and aided in shooting down another. Lieutenant Commander Thatch’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.