The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Charles Mason Melhorn (NSN: 0-97976), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo-Bomber and Flight Leader in Air Group FIFTY (AG-50), attached to the U.S.S. COWPENS (CVL-25), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet anchored in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Leading a formation of nine torpedo-bomber planes in a glide-bombing attack on an enemy battleship, Lieutenant Commander Melhorn fought his plane gallantly in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from the target, other major Fleet units and well-placed land batteries. Resolutely pressing home his attack, he scored one direct hit amidships and contributed materially to the success of his flight in scoring at least five other damaging direct hits on the hostile warship. His superb airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.