The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Eugene Joseph Robert Lape, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Naval Base at Kure, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Participating in a closely coordinated strike against a new enemy battleship and its destroyer-cruiser screen, Lieutenant Lape dived through a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire to press home a determined attack and score repeated direct hits and near misses which contributed materially to the infliction of damage on the Japanese vessel. His outstanding airmanship and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.