The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard John Olson (NSN: 0-306274), 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 SIX (VF-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), during action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Undaunted by intense anti-aircraft fire from ship and shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Olson boldly delivered a determined bombing attack and scored a direct hit to assist in damaging a heavy hostile cruiser. By his intrepid spirit and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Olson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.