Richard B. Walters, USN: For extraordinary heroism as a Pilot and Division Leader in Torpedo Squadron ONE, attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON, in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base on July 28, 1945. Undaunted by intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from numerous warships and strategically located shore batteries, Lieutenant Walters courageously led his division in an aggressive glide-bombing attack at low altitude against a heavy cruiser to score multiple hits and inflict extensive damage on the enemy vessel. After releasing his bombs, he pressed home strafing runs against a large enemy freighter and, through his valiant efforts, contributed materially to the success of an epic strike in which all capital ships of the Japanese Fleet at Kure were sunk or damaged. By his airmanship, bold initiative and gallant fighting spirit, Lieutenant Walters upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.