Leif Walther Larsen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Leif Walther Larsen, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Plane embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. Ensign Larsen’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.