The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Thomas C. Thomas (NSN: 0-157503), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in an operation in which he scored a direct hit on the enemy battleship NAGATO at Yokosuka Naval Base, on 18 July 1945, resulting in damage to the ship. Through his able leadership of a section of planes and his cool determination in pressing home his attack in spite of an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire from shore batteries and ships in the harbor, Lieutenant Thomas contributed materially to the success of the mission. His skill, courage and leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.