The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Walter Merkel Koch, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane of Bombing Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VBF-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Honshu, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Participating in a daring strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet at the Yokosuka Naval Base, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Koch executed a skillful dive-bombing attack against an enemy battleship and, in the face of intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire, scored a direct hit on the warship. By his gallant fighting spirit and skill as an airman, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Koch contributed materially to the extensive damage inflicted during the attack and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.