The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Alfred Lerch, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN (VF-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in combat patrol operations in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 16 April 1945. An alert and aggressive airman, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Lerch boldly intercepted a large formation of enemy aircraft which was attacking our surface units and, striking furiously at the hostile planes although five of his six guns failed to fire on several occasions and control surfaces on his aircraft were severely damaged, blasting seven of the enemy fighters from the sky during this fierce operation. By his great personal valor, outstanding airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Lerch contributed to the safety of our surface forces in this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.