The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Edward C. Bartles, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber, in operations against the enemy at the Japanese Naval Anchorage, Kure, Honshu, Japan, on 24 July 1945. While flying as wingman, Ensign Bartles skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in determined attacks against an enemy battleship, and in the face of intense and heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and ground installations, scored a direct large-caliber bomb hit which contributed materially to the destruction of this vessel. On retiring from the target through anti-aircraft fire he and his section leader attacked and strafed two cargo vessels, 150 gross tonnage, south of the target, sinking one and damaging the other. Ensign Bartles’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.