The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Lowery Mason, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VT-75), attached to the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Engaged in combat with major units of an enemy Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mason pressed home a torpedo attack against a large enemy destroyer and, although subjected to intense hostile fire from main batteries and anti-aircraft guns, scored a direct hit which sank the enemy vessel. His courage, skill and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mason and the United States Naval Service.