The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Donald Wesley Henkel (NSN: 0-347444), 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 TWENTY-THREE (VF-23), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action on 29 March 1945, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, on 29 march 1945. Intercepting a hostile fighter maneuvering to strike a heavy unit of his Task Force while flying combat air patrol, Ensign Henkel gallantly followed his Division Leader through a terrific barrage of protective anti-aircraft fire sent up from friendly vessels in a valiant effort to break off the attack of the oncoming plane. Courageous and determined, he relentlessly pursued the enemy through the overcast to a position in the clear above his own ships, assisting his leader in blasting the hostile craft and diverting the attacker before his own plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire, forcing him to make a water landing. By his superb airmanship, daring initiative and selfless conduct, maintained in the face of extreme danger, Ensign Henkel contributed to the destruction of an enemy plane and to the excellent coverage provided our surface forces in Japanese home waters. His steadfast devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.