The Dive Bomber Commander Who Struck Twice at Midway
Richard Halsey Best was one of the most remarkable United States Navy aviators of the Battle of Midway. As the commanding officer of Bombing Squadron Six, he led dive bombers from the aircraft carrier Enterprise in attacks that helped destroy the Japanese carrier force and change the course of the Second World War in the Pacific.
On June 4, 1942, Best took part in two major attacks against Japanese aircraft carriers. In the morning, he helped strike the carrier Akagi. Later that same day, he helped strike the carrier Hiryū.
Few aviators in American history have been so closely connected to one day of battle. Richard Best’s courage, precision, and determination helped deliver one of the greatest victories in United States naval history.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Richard Halsey Best
Born: March 24, 1910, in Bayonne, New Jersey
Died: October 28, 2001
Service Branch: United States Navy
Role at Midway: Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron Six aboard the aircraft carrier Enterprise
Rank at the Battle of Midway: Lieutenant Commander
Highest Rank Achieved: Lieutenant Commander
Major Recognition: Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross
Known For: Leading Bombing Squadron Six during the Battle of Midway and helping strike two Japanese aircraft carriers in one day
A Naval Aviator Built for the Carrier Age
Richard Best graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1932 and later became a naval aviator. He belonged to the generation of officers who helped prove that aircraft carriers were now central to naval power.
Before the Battle of Midway, battleships had long been seen as the heart of a fleet. But the war in the Pacific was changing that reality. Carrier aircraft could find, strike, and destroy enemy ships across vast distances. The men who flew those aircraft carried the future of naval warfare into the sky.
At Midway, Best was not simply one pilot among many. He was the commanding officer of Bombing Squadron Six, responsible for leading his men into one of the most important air attacks in American history.
The Morning Attack Against Akagi
On the morning of June 4, 1942, American dive bombers from Enterprise reached the Japanese carrier force at a critical moment.
The Japanese carriers had been launching, recovering, refueling, and rearming aircraft. Their decks and hangar spaces were vulnerable. The timing of the American attack helped turn a dangerous opportunity into a decisive blow.
Best led Bombing Squadron Six into the attack. During the confusion of the dive-bombing assault, several American aircraft focused on the carrier Kaga. Best and a small number of aircraft redirected their attack against Akagi, the flagship of the Japanese carrier force.
The strike against Akagi was devastating. Best’s attack helped cripple one of the most important enemy carriers in the battle.
The Afternoon Attack Against Hiryū
Best’s day was not finished.
Later on June 4, after the Japanese carrier Hiryū launched attacks that damaged the American carrier Yorktown, American aircraft went after the remaining Japanese carrier.
Best took part in the afternoon attack against Hiryū. Once again, he pressed into danger against a heavily defended enemy carrier. The attack helped remove the final operational Japanese carrier from the battle.
In a single day, Richard Best had helped strike two Japanese aircraft carriers. His actions became one of the most extraordinary individual records of the Battle of Midway.
Courage at a Personal Cost
Richard Best’s Midway story did not end in glory without consequence. During the battle, he was exposed to dangerous fumes in his aircraft’s oxygen system. The damage to his lungs was serious and eventually ended his flying career.
That fact makes his story even more powerful. Best gave everything he had to the mission. He fought through one of the decisive days of the war, helped deliver a historic victory, and paid a lasting personal price for his service.
His Navy Cross recognized his bold determination, courageous leadership, and willingness to press home attacks despite extreme danger from enemy fighters, anti-aircraft fire, and the possibility of fuel exhaustion.
Why Lieutenant Richard Best Matters
Lieutenant Richard H. Best represents the skill, courage, and fighting spirit of United States naval aviation at Midway. He led his squadron into battle. He helped strike at the heart of the Japanese carrier force. He played a direct role in one of the most important American victories of the Second World War.
At Midway, Best showed what disciplined courage looks like in action. He did not merely survive history. He helped shape it.
That is why Richard Best belongs among the Midway Six.
His name should be known. His leadership should be remembered. His courage should be honored.
Part of the Midway Six
Lieutenant Richard H. Best is one of the six American naval aviators at the center of the Midway Six Medal of Honor campaign.
Together, Clarence W. McClusky, Max F. Leslie, Eugene E. Lindsey, Lance E. Massey, John C. Waldron, and Richard H. Best helped shape the outcome of the Battle of Midway through extraordinary courage, leadership, and sacrifice.
Their actions helped change the course of the Second World War. Their legacy continues to inspire Americans today.
Help Honor Lieutenant Richard H. Best
Lieutenant Best’s actions at Midway helped secure one of the most important victories in American history. He led from the front, struck the enemy at the decisive moment, and paid a lasting personal price for his service.
His story deserves to be told. His name deserves to be remembered. His service deserves national recognition.
HonorAmericanHeroes.org exists to raise awareness, educate Americans, and build support for recognizing the Midway Six with the Medal of Honor.
Read their stories. Share their names. Help carry their legacy forward.