The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Giovanni F. Brega (NSN: 0-354986), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), during a strike against an enemy battleship in the Inland Sea of Japan on 24 July 1945. Although opposed by intense and accurate, heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and adjacent shore batteries during his attack, Ensign Brega skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a coordinated bombing attack on the battleship, scoring a direct hit with his bombs which contributed greatly to the ultimate sinking of that vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.