The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] John Richard Meharg, 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 ONE (VF-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands, on 15 June 1944. When his flight was attacked by an overwhelming number of enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Meharg, although handicapped by a bomb load which considerably reduced the maneuverability of his fighter, determinedly pressed home bold attacks against the hostile planes, shooting down four Japanese aircraft and damaging several others. Cool and courageous throughout this fierce battle, he then carried out his assigned bombing mission, having retained his bombs during the aerial engagement. Lieutenant Meharg’s superb airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.