The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Leonard M. Nearman (NSN: 0-390797), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIX (VF-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), during action against enemy Japanese forces at Kure Harbor, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Undaunted by intense anti-aircraft fire from hostile ship and shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nearman carried out a determined bombing attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, scoring a direct hit to assist in damaging a large enemy carrier. By his intrepid spirit and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nearman contributed to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.