The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Lester Kenneth Bruestle (NSN: 0-351088), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VT-23), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Despite adverse weather conditions and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Bruestle skillfully and courageously piloted his plane in a successful torpedo attack on a light cruiser, scoring a direct hit which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.