The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Paul W. Boyd (NSN: 0-354431), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), during an attack against an enemy battleship in the Inland Sea of Japan on 24 July 1945. Faced with great opposition from enemy shore and ship-based anti-aircraft batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd skillfully piloted his plane through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and with determination and courage pressed home a bombing attack on the enemy battleship and scored a direct hit which contributed heavily to the final sinking of that ship. His courage and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.