The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John M. Eaton, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Ground Officer of Patrol Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VP-21), temporarily based at the Naval Air Station, Midway Island, during the attack by Japanese naval forces on the night of 7 December 1941. When devastating hostile gunfire damaged or destroyed several Catalina flying boats, the hangar and other installations, Ensign Eaton organized a crew of untrained civilian workmen and, without benefit of tractors and lines, ingeniously directed the launching of heavily overloaded aircraft. In the cold water of the lagoon and on a ramp which was flooded with gasoline from damaged airplanes and lighted by conflagration nearby, he valiantly and resolutely continued his work without regard for his safety until all Catalina’s capable of flight had been launched. Although completely unfamiliar with aviation, Ensign Eaton, by his courageous initiative and tenacious determination, successfully executed this highly technical operation and thereby undoubtedly contributed to the Japanese abandonment of their attack, consequently saving the islands from more extensive damage. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.