The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Carleton Leslie, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader of a Flight of Torpedo Squadron ONE (VT-1), attached to the U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base on 28 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the numerous warships and from the strategically located shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leslie courageously carried out a low-altitude glide-bombing attack against a large cruiser to score two direct hits and inflict extensive damage on the enemy vessel. By his airmanship and aggressive fighting spirit, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leslie contributed materially to the success of an epic strike in which all capital ships of the enemy Fleet at Kure were sunk or damaged. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.