The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman A. Wiese (NSN: 0-112003), 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 EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in operations against the enemy while leading a division of carrier-based torpedo planes in an attack against a powerful Japanese Task Force off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Making a torpedo run into the center of the enemy force, Lieutenant Wiese’s plane was repeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire and he himself was wounded. He nevertheless made an accurate drop, probably sank an enemy destroyer and successfully landed his damaged plane at his home base. His skill and fearless devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.