Roy Francis Dillahunty

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Roy Francis Dillahunty (0-321120), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 24 July 1945. During an attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet, including battleships, aircraft carriers and cruisers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dillahunty skillfully piloted his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire from both the enemy warships in the harbor and the many gun emplacements on the shore to score a direct bomb hit on the aircraft carrier assigned him as a target. By his skillful airmanship and courage, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dillahunty contributed materially to the heavy damage done this warship, and his outstanding devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01701 (September 3, 1945)