The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John William Padberg, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VTB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), during action against enemy Japanese Fleet units at Kure, Japan, 28 July 1945. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from heavy combat ships and shore batteries, Lieutenant Padberg courageously pressed home a low-altitude bombing attack and scored two direct hits with five hundred pound bombs on the enemy battleship HARUNA, causing serious damage. His skillful airmanship, intrepid spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.