The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Chester James Pool (NSN: 0-223770), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and as Section Leader in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20) during an attack on warships lying within a great Japanese Naval Base at Kure Harbor, on 28 July 1945. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from ships in the harbor and shore batteries he dropped his bomb squarely on an ISE class battleship, inflicting serious damage and leaving the ship more vulnerable to subsequent attacking planes. His heroic conduct and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.