This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shane Laemmel, MR3
to remember
Maltby, Arthur, CAPT.
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town New Orleans, LA
Last Address New Orleans, LA
Date of Passing Jun 19, 1991
Location of Interment Barrancas National Cemetery (VA) - Pensacola, Florida
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Arthur Lauren Maltby, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber and Flight Leader in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in action against enemy Japanese forces at the Yokosuka Naval Base on 18 July 1945. Carrying out a determined attack on the enemy battleship, NAGATO, Lieutenant Commander Maltby led his flight through intense ship and shore anti-aircraft fire from the point of commencing the final approach until well after pulling out and, dropping his bomb directly on the aiming point, contributed materially to the infliction of damage on the hostile warship. Although his plane was severely damaged by enemy fire during the attack, he brought it safe back to base. Lieutenant Commander Maltby's gallant leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: July 18, 1945
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 Lieutenant Commander Arthur Lauren Maltby, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Executing a skillful approach to his target, Lieutenant Commander Maltby dived through intense anti-aircraft fire from ship and shore batteries to score a direct hit on the enemy battleship HARUNA, thereby contributing materially to the beaching of this vessel shortly thereafter. His outstanding airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: July 28, 1945
Okinawa Gunto Operation/East of Kyushu
From Month/Year
April / 1945
To Month/Year
April / 1945
Description The Yamato exited from the Inland Sea, was detected by the SJ radar on the USS Hackleback and tracked, as ordered by COMSUBPAC, position reported, and then sunk by the airforce just north of Okinawa.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
April / 1945
To Month/Year
April / 1945
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories On 2?3 June, the task force launched air strikes on the Japanese home islands ? aimed particularly at Kyūshū, the southernmost of the major islands. Facing the stiffest airborne resistance to date, Shangri-La's airmen suffered their heaviest casualties.
