The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Donald E. Runyon, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Section Leader of Fighting Squadron SIX (VF-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands. On 7 August 1942, despite tremendous counter fire from hostile fighters, Ensign Runyon shot down two Japanese dive bombers. On the following day, again facing hostile opposition, with superb airmanship the valiantly attacked and shot down one twin-engine Japanese Torpedo Plane and one Zero-type fighter airplane. Ensign Runyon’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.