Title
Legion of Merit of James H. Flatley, Jr.
Description
The Legionnaire Degree iteration of the Legit of Merit is a white enameled, five-pointed star with inverse points and red enamel boards. The star resets on green laurel wreath joined by bronze crossed arrows and a bronze bow. The central design is a blue enamel circle with 13 white stars, as also present in the Great Seal of the United States. The reverse is a mirror image of the medal in bronze with the absence of the seal and the addition of the words "United States of America" and "Annuit Coeptis MDCCLXXXII." The medal hands from a red ribbon with thin, white vertical stripes on either side.
Collection
James H. Flatley Jr. Collection
Context
James H. Flatley was an accomplished aviator and Navy ace who served during the Second World War. Having served aboard three different carriers, including the USS Yorktown (CV-10), Flatley was an early innovator in carrier aviation. Flatley continued to be an advocate for the importance of carrier aviation throughout his career. Flatley retired in 1958 with the rank of Vice Admiral.
Flatley was awarded the Legionnaire Degree of the Legion of Merit with his citation reading for service as "Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander First Carrier Task Force, Pacific, from December 6, 1944 through May 28, 1945...Captain Flatley planned and conducted air operations in support of amphibious landings for the conquest of Iwo Jima and Okinawa strikes against Tokyo, the Kure Naval Base and Kyushu, support missions in the vicinity of our landings and an air attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet on April 7, 1945. When hits on the flagship by suicide bombers required the Task Force Commander to shift his flag, Captain Flatley swiftly re-established control of operations and expertly carried out his assignment during a protracted series of bitterly fought air engagements..."
Flatley was awarded the Legionnaire Degree of the Legion of Merit with his citation reading for service as "Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander First Carrier Task Force, Pacific, from December 6, 1944 through May 28, 1945...Captain Flatley planned and conducted air operations in support of amphibious landings for the conquest of Iwo Jima and Okinawa strikes against Tokyo, the Kure Naval Base and Kyushu, support missions in the vicinity of our landings and an air attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet on April 7, 1945. When hits on the flagship by suicide bombers required the Task Force Commander to shift his flag, Captain Flatley swiftly re-established control of operations and expertly carried out his assignment during a protracted series of bitterly fought air engagements..."
Accession #
2024.40
