The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Jack Stanley Berkheimer (NSN: 0-325660), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Night Fighter Plane in Night Fighting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VFN-41), embarked from the U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVL-22), in action on 24 October 1944, in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. Ensign Berkheimer intercepted and personally destroyed two enemy aircraft which were attempting to track the Task Force to which his carrier was attached. In spite of very adverse weather conditions, necessitating violent evasive action through clouds and squalls, and in the face of aggressive firing by the enemy, he courageously and persistently pressed home his attack to such close range that fragments from the second exploding enemy aircraft damaged his plane beyond repair. In destroying these aircraft he prevented the enemy from receiving information as to the movements of the Task Force. By his coolness under fire and despite the condition of his airplane he skillfully maneuvered his airplane to a safe night carrier landing. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.