The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hugh “C” Johnson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SEVENTEEN (VT-17), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kure Bay Area of Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Braving intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Johnson participated in a glide-bombing attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet and, scoring two direct hits on a hostile aircraft carrier, left the vessel smoking heavily. His skilled airmanship, courage and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.