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Casualty Info
Home Town Tuscaloosa
Last Address Tuscaloosa
Casualty Date May 08, 1942
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Air Loss, Crash - Sea
Location Pacific
Conflict World War II/Asiatic-Pacific Theater/Central Pacific Campaign (1941-43)/Battle of the Coral Sea
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Image
Navy Cross - 1942
Name of Award Navy Cross
Year Awarded 1942
Last Updated: Oct 1, 2010
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
(First Award) Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard F. Neely, 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 TWO (VS-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Haynes pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking three of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
(Second Award) The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign Richard Franklin Neely (NSN: 0-84288), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. On 7 May Ensign Neely participated in a dive bombing attack on an enemy carrier, and contributed to its destruction. On 8 May, as member of the anti-torpedo plane patrol, he repeatedly attacked with great determination, the attacking enemy planes. His courageous attacks, made in the face of heavy enemy fighter opposition, resulted in the destruction of two enemy aircraft. Ensign Neely's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 14 (May 8, 1942) Action Date: May 7 & 8, 1942 Service: Naval Reserve Rank: Ensign Company: Scouting Squadron 2 (VS-2) Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)
