The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James Clifford Huddleston, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-EIGHT (VT-88), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against enemy forces in the Japanese home waters on 18 July 1945. Leading his squadron in an attack against a battleship moored alongside a pier at Yokosuka, Japan, Commander Huddleston pressed home a determined attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from the enemy ship and nearby ground installations, scoring a direct hit on the enemy vessel. By his skillful leadership and aggressive tactics, he contributed materially to the success achieved by his squadron in the attack. His airmanship and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.