The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, [then Ensign] Austin Gerald Karnes, 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 NINETY-FOUR (VT-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the heavily defended fleet anchorage at Kure, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Fearlessly disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire sent up from surrounding warships and shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Karnes pressed home a vigorous coordinated attack against a carefully camouflaged aircraft carrier to score a direct hit and leave the enemy vessel burning furiously. His expert airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.