Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Battalion: Torpedo Squadron 84 (VT-84)
Division: U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)
General Orders: Commander in Chief Serial: 034377 (January 2, 1946)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard John Walsh, Jr. (NSN: 0-158058), United States Naval 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), attached to 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 anti-aircraft fire from all caliber weapons on the battleship and the surrounding screen. His plane was one of the fourteen torpedo bombers participating in this concerted attack which resulted in at least nine hits on the battleship. Without flinching he carried his torpedo into close range through adverse weather conditions and intense enemy fire which included the main batteries, contributing materially to the complete destruction of the capital ship a short time later. 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.

Walsh, Richard John, Jr., LTJG