The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Paul Junior Ward, 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 FIFTEEN (VT-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during offensive air operations against enemy shipping on 5 November 1944, in Manila Bay on the Island of Luzon, of the Philippine Group. Despite intense enemy opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ward engaged in daring and persistent attacks on enemy Japanese shipping, scoring a direct hit on a large enemy battleship Ensign Ward’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.