The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Daryl Leigh Grant, 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 major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Undaunted by intense anti-aircraft fire from ship and shore batteries, Ensign Grant boldly delivered a determined bombing attack and scored a direct hit to assist in damaging a heavy hostile cruiser. By his intrepid spirit and devotion to duty, Ensign Grant contributed to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.