The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Dexter Stuart Gilchrest, 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 TWENTY-THREE (VT-23), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Participating in a strike on major units of the Japanese fleet despite adverse weather conditions and hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gilchrest attacked a light cruiser, scoring a direct torpedo hit which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gilchrest’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.