Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 7 (VB-7), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19) (Bombing Squadron 7 (VB-7), U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19))

Awarded on:

January 20th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SEVEN (VB-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), operating against units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the Philippine Islands Area, on 29 October 1944. A brilliant combat pilot, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Geraghty fearlessly participated in a bold raid against a concentration of capital enemy warships caught in the harbor at Manila Bay following the widespread defeat of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf a few days earlier. Determined to annihilate the enemy, he skillfully maneuvered in over the target area and, plunging through a deadly barrage of bursting anti-aircraft fire sent up by powerful ship and shore batteries, scored a direct hit on a Japanese cruiser. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of intense opposition, he contributed materially to the further crippling of the battered Japanese surface forces, and his dauntless courage throughout the fierce hostilities reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Geraghty and the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01050 (January 20, 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Second Air Medal received in the form of a golden star to be worn in the ribbon of the first Air Medal.