The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Max E. E. Woyke, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Woyke’s courage, skill, and perseverance contributed materially to the success of searches for the enemy. While on anti-torpedo plane patrol he repeatedly attacked with great determination the attacking enemy planes. His courageous attacks, made in the face of heavy fighter opposition, resulted in the destruction of one enemy aircraft. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.