The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Dale William Peterson (NSN: 0-85948), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF3), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Peterson intercepted a formation of nine enemy aircraft and succeeded in shooting down one twin-engine bomber and aided in shooting down another. Ensign Peterson’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.