The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Foster “E” Looney, 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 TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Undaunted by hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Looney carried out a dive bombing attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet and scored a direct hit to assist in the destruction of a large enemy carrier, later returning safe to his base in darkness. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Looney upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.