The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Leif Walther Larsen, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and against two enemy aircraft carriers in the Battle of the Coral Sea, one on 7 May and the other on 8 May. Pressing home these attacks in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and, on 8 May, also harassed by heavy aircraft opposition, Ensign Larsen assisted greatly in the sinking of one carrier and in the sinking or severe damaging of the second carrier and eight other enemy vessels. His strict devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds contributed materially to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea.