The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John M. Searcy (NSN: 0-104550), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in an attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, at the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from warships and the numerous shore batteries, which hit and damaged his plane, he dived to a perilously low level to score a direct bomb hit on the battleship assigned as his target. Under his skillful and valiant leadership, his division of four planes scored two direct hits, inflicting critical damage to the vessel, and contributed immeasurably to the success of the Task Force attack. His conspicuous skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.