The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant George C. Pyne (NSN: 0-122090), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Bombing Fighting Squadron SIX (VBF-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), assigned to attack major enemy fleet units at Kure Harbor, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Lieutenant Pyne made a skillful and courageous bombing run upon an enemy battleship, scoring a direct hit with a 1,000-pound bomb despite accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore batteries. His attack contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel soon after the attack had been concluded. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.