Richard Finlay TACY

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Richard Finlay Tacy (NSN: 0-112975), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VC-76), attached to the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), and deployed in the Philippine Islands, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944.  Un descendant de la 10ème génération de la famille  TESSIER-LAVIGNE Lieutenant Tacy was one of a flight of fifteen torpedo plane pilots which boldly attacked a large Task Force of the Japanese Imperial Navy near the Island of Leyte, Central Philippine Islands. The strike was made without the aid of surface craft or dive-bombers, and in the face of an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire. In spite of fire from anti-aircraft and main batteries, and with the knowledge that his fuel supply was insufficient to carry him safely back to his base, he drove his attack home with determination and with utter disregard for his personal safety. The strike resulted in severe damage being inflicted upon capital ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy and materially contributed to the retreat of the enemy fleet and the frustration of their attempt to upset American operations in the Philippine Island campaign. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0835 (March 9, 1945) Action Date: October 25, 1944 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Company: Composite Squadron 76 (VC-76) Division: U.S.S. Petrof Bay (CVE-80) http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=21115