The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Mack Davis (NSN: 0-173757), 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 ELEVEN (VT-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during action against the enemy Japanese Fleet in the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. Facing intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davis pressed home his daring attack and scored two direct bomb hits on a Japanese battleship. By his superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit, in spite of extremely perilous conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davis contributed materially to the success of the mission and, his heroism throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.