Richard John Walsh, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Richard John Walsh, Jr., Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR (VT-84), embarked from the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during an attack against the Japanese Battleship Yamato off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Displaying great skill and courage, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Walsh pressed home his torpedo attack and despite extremely intense antiaircraft fire from all caliber weapons on the battleship and the surrounding screen, and was shot down before he could release his torpedo. His courage, skill, determination and unswerving devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.