Joseph R. Daly

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph R. Daly, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces while deployed over Guadalcanal and Tulagi, in the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. Sighting a group of about 27 twin- engined enemy bombers with escort, Ensign Daly and a comrade attacked before they could release their bombs, and although he was viciously intercepted by Zero fighters, he downed two of them and helped to turn back the bombers. He continued in the engagement until he was severely injured, suffering 9 bullet wounds and second-degree burns before his plane, eventually shot down by hostile fire, crashed into the sea. Ensign Daly’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)