The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] James Barrie Davidson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron TEN (VB-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Inland Sea of Japan on 19 March 1945. Undaunted by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from hostile warships and land batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davidson pressed home a determined attack against an enemy battleship and, although his plane was hit and damaged in the initial part of his dive, scored direct hits with his bombs. His courageous airmanship, intrepid spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.