The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ross Thomas Collins, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 28 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from many warships and numerous strategically-placed shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Collins courageously launched a low-altitude dive bombing attack against an ISE Class battleship, scoring one direct hit and inflicting heavy damage on the enemy vessel. While retiring from the run, he strafed and silenced a gun installation which was laying down a barrage across the retirement course of friendly planes withdrawing from the target area. By his airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Collins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.