One key player in the Battle of Midway was World War II pilot Lieutenant Richard H. Best. He was portrayed by Ed Skrein in the Midway movie based on a true story. Best was honored with both the Navy Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the sinking of the Japanese carriers Akagi and Hiryu. He is believed to be the first U.S. naval aviator to sink two enemy carriers in a single day. His determination and courage contributed greatly to the success of the battle, at great cost to his health.

Dick Best Was Forced To Retire From The Navy In 1944 Due To His Health

Best Had A Significant Lung Condition

On February 1, 1942, Lieutenant Commander Best fearlessly led multiple dive-bombing missions against enemy ships in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. His accurate attacks inflicted severe damage on a large transport ship and a cargo vessel. Undeterred, even after his plane was riddled with bullets from enemy fighter attacks, Best continued his mission. He successfully scored a direct hit on an enemy hangar and then returned to ensure its complete destruction. His exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment to duty embody the traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Emmerich brought these WWII events to explosive life in Midway.

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However, it came at great cost to his health. Shortly after landing on the Enterprise, he began coughing up blood, a symptom that persisted over the next 24 hours. His condition deteriorated rapidly, with a fever of 103°F, prompting his ission to Pearl Harbor Hospital. An investigation revealed that during the June 4 mission, several pilots had experienced oxygen supply issues at 20,000 feet.

To mitigate the risk, Best had ordered a descent to 15,000 feet. However, the prolonged flight time and the heat generated by his SBD's oxygen rebreather had caused the sodium hydroxide within the device to overheat. This led to the release of caustic soda fumes, which were inadvertently inhaled by Best. Unfortunately, Best had a history of latent tuberculosis. The inhalation of caustic fumes triggered a chemical pneumonitis, which, in turn, reactivated the dormant tuberculosis bacteria. This resulted in a rapid progression from latent TB infection to active TB disease.

Dick Best's Life After Serving In The Navy Explained

Best Was Honorably Discharged For His Lung Injuries

During his lengthy recovery, Best acknowledged the end of his naval career. He spent 32 months hospitalized and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1944. His lung damage proved to be permanent. Getting enough air as a pilot is enough of a challenge with healthy lungs, and the sustained trauma and infection proved to be detrimental. Lieutenant Commander Best retired from the U.S. Navy in 1944 with 100% disability. He then moved to Santa Monica, California.

Following his release from the hospital, Best found a way to continue his lifelong ion for aviation (per Navy History). He transitioned to a role within the research division of the Douglas Aircraft Corporation. Douglas Aircraft Company was a prominent American aerospace and defense company located in Southern California. This division subsequently merged with the Rand Corporation in December 1948. At Rand, Best assumed leadership of the security department, a position he held until his retirement in March 1975.

Former WW2 Pilot Dick Best ed Away In 2001

Dick Best Had A Military Funeral