Lindsey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for brilliantly successful leadership of his squadron in attacks on Kwajalein and Wotje in the Marshall Islands o 1 February 1942. He gave his life in action on 4 June 1942 at the Battle of Midway, in which his squadron played a valiant and selfless role, pressing home its attack through merciless antiaircraft fire. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his important contribution to this great American victory.