LIEUTENANT J. FRANK GILREATH, JR. United States Naval Reserve. For extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron Eighty Two, attached to the USS Bennington, in action against enemy Japanese forces off Kyushu, Japan, April 7, 1945. Participating in a coordinated strike on an enemy cruiser, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade,) Gilreath braved an intense barrage of antiaircraft fire to press home a determined attack and, by his courage and airmanship, contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the hostile craft. His aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to the completion of a perilous assignment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Gilreath joined the Legion of Valor in 2000 and, while living in Charlotte, NC, died on Mar 21, 2014.