During the Battle of Midway—one of the most important conflicts in the Pacific Theater—dive bomber Lt. Cmdr. Richard H. Best played a key role in sinking two of the four Japanese aircraft carriers with just three aircraft.
Despite the overwhelming odds against them due to the formidable Japanese artillery, Best and his squadron managed to overcome the challenges. They secured a remarkable victory, shifting the course of the war with the Allies’ first major naval triumph over Japan.
Richard Best was born to be a pilot
Lt. Cmdr. Richard Halsey Best was born in New Jersey in 1910. Immediately after high school, he enrolled in the US Naval Academy, and in 1932 graduated with honors. Best began his military career aboard the USS Richmond (CL-9). Two years later, he earned his wings at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and was assigned to Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2B) aboard the USS Lexington (CV-2), nicknamed “Lady Lex.”
At the breakout of the Second World War, Best was moved to the Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). By now, he was a distinguished fighter pilot looking to gain experience on a bomber squad. While onboard Enterprise, he carried out raids on the Marshall Islands in early 1942, and was soon tasked with a make-or-break opportunity to attack four Japanese aircraft carriers (Akagi, Kaga, Hiryū, and Sōryū), headed to Midway Atoll in the North Pacific.
The Battle of Midway
On the morning of June 4, 1942, Richard H. Best and Enterprise‘s 14 Douglas TBD-1 Devastators, 34 Douglas SBD Dauntless and 10 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats were tasked with attacking Akagi. However, the mission unraveled as squadrons became separated and confusion began to overwhelm the original plan of attack.
The leading fighter pilot turned to strike the nearby Kaga, taking most of the squadron with him. Best realized what was happening and signaled to abort. Unfortunately, no one listened. He continued toward his target with just two wingmen, leaving only three aircraft to strike Akagi.
Under heavy fire from anti-aircraft weapons and fighter aircraft, Best dropped the bomb that sealed Akagi‘s fate. It landed on the upper flight deck and exploded in a hanger. With his first target sunk, Best returned to Enterprise.
By the afternoon, only one Japanese carrier remained: Hiryū. It’s believed Best’s bomb was one of four to strike the vessel, making him the first pilot to successfully bomb two Japanese aircraft carriers in one day. Even though it was the best day of his military career, it would also be his last mission.
“Extreme disregard for his own personal safety” led to medals
After bombing Hiryū, Richard H. Best returned to the Enterprise, but during his landing on the flight deck, he began coughing up blood. This issue persisted, and he eventually developed a fever, necessitating his transfer to Pearl Harbor Hospital.
His health problems were caused by complications with the oxygen supply for several VB-6 pilots, including himself. The morning mission to sink Akagi had gone on longer than planned, leading to the overheating of the oxygen rebreather in Best’s aircraft and the release of sodium hydroxide into the cabin.
Sodium hydroxide is used in rebreathers to eliminate carbon dioxide exhaled by pilots. When it overheats, it emits caustic soda fumes that flow directly into the pilot’s lungs through their mask. These fumes triggered a dormant tuberculosis infection in Best’s lungs, which had been inactive for years.
Best received treatment for tuberculosis until 1943, and retired, on disability, from the US Navy in 1944. For his selflessness and bravery during the Battle of Midway, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Cross. The citation for the latter speaks to Best’s incredible skill and dedication:
“Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Lieutenant Commander Best, with bold determination and courageous zeal, led his squadron in dive-bombing assaults against Japanese naval units. Flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with extreme disregard for his own personal safety.
“His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
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Following his retirement, Best moved to California and began a career working as the head of security for the RAND Corporation. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he died on October 28, 2001. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Recently, Best’s pivotal role in the Battle of Midway was portrayed by Game of Thrones actor Ed Skrein in the 2019 film, Midway.