Richard Taylor Eastmond

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard Taylor Eastmond, Lieutenant, 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 ONE (VF-1), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action on 19 June 1944, while deployed over the Marianas Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.