Walter Wesley Coolbaugh

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Walter Wesley Coolbaugh, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), 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 May 1942. Ensign Coolbaugh engaged in three dive bombing attacks, two on enemy Japanese forces in Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and the third on an enemy aircraft carrier in the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. Pressing home these attacks in the face of tremendous anti- aircraft fire, Ensign Coolbaugh, by his skill and determination, assisted greatly in the sinking of the carrier and in the sinking or severe damaging of eight other enemy vessels. His conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds contributed materially to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)