The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Arthur Charles Flynn, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIX (VF-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), during action against enemy Japanese forces at Kure Harbor, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Undaunted by intense anti-aircraft fire from hostile ship and shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Flynn carried out a determined bombing attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, personally scoring a direct hit to assist in damaging and sinking an enemy battleship. By his intrepid spirit and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Flynn contributed to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.