The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade “A” “F” Walter Kresse, Jr., 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 SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Flying through intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire from numerous enemy warships and strategically-located shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Kresse pressed home a determined bombing attack on an aircraft carrier and scored a direct hit causing serious damage to the enemy warship. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kresse’s gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.