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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

November 11, 1920
SIR:—

In the name of Congress, the President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

RALPH TALBOT, (Deceased), 2nd Lt., U. S. M. G.

for service above and beyond the call of duty during the World War as set forth in the following citation:

"For exceptionally meritorious service and extraordinary heroism while attached to Squadron C, First Marine Aviation Force, in France. He participated in numerous air raids into enemy territory, and on October 8, 1918, while in such a raid, he was attacked by nine enemy scouts, and in the fight that followed shot down an enemy plane. Also, on October 14, 1918, while on an air raid over Pittham, Belgium, Lieut. Talbot and one other plane became detached from the formation due to loss of power by motor, and were attacked by 12 enemy scouts. During the severe fight that followed his plane shot down one of the enemy scouts. His observer was shot through the elbow and his gun jammed. He cleared the jam with one hand while Lieut. Talbot maneuvered to gain time, and then returned to fight. The observer fought on until shot twice in the stomach and once in the hip. When he collapsed, Lieut. Talbot attacked the nearest enemy scout with his front guns and shot him down. With his observer unconscious and his motor failing, he dived to escape the balance of the enemy and crossed the German trenches at an altitude of 50 feet, landing at the nearest hospital and left his observer and returned alone to his aerodrome."

Signed, for the President,

JOSEPHUS DANIELS, Secretary of the Navy.