The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander James McClellan Peters (NSN: 0-70018), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Plane and Commander of Air Group ONE (AG-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action on 19 and 20 June 1944, while deployed over the Mariana Islands. On that date, commander Peters led his group to intercept a large enemy aerial striking force. Although the speed of his aircraft was decreased due to the malfunctioning of the engine, he ordered his division to proceed at full speed and he followed along on direct course in the direction of the enemy. During the engagement, he shot down two enemy airplanes and his group destroyed many more. On the following day, in the face of effective and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition, he led his group in the attack on the Japanese Fleet, resulting in nine bomb hits on an enemy carrier, two hits on each of two large converted carriers, two torpedo hits and one probably torpedo hit on an enemy light cruiser, and the sinking of one destroyer. His courageous leadership inspired the officers and men under his command to inflict a maximum of damage upon the enemy forces, and his heroism and fearless disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.