Armond H. Delalio’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Armond H. Delalio

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. During the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Captain Delalio, in a hail of blasting fire from Japanese fighter guns and anti-aircraft batteries, dived his plane to the perilously low altitude of four hundred feet before releasing his bomb. Despite the fact that his craft was struck by numerous shrapnel and machine gun bursts, he returned safely to his base under extremely hazardous weather conditions. On 4 June, after less than four hours’ sleep, he participated in an assault which resulted in the severe damaging of a Japanese battleship. His cool courage and utter disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.