The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Oscar Poulson, Jr. (NSN: 0-351613), 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 FORTY-NINE (VT-49), attached to the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in the aerial attack on major Japanese combatant shipping at the strongly-defended Kure Naval Base in Southwestern Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. In the face of continuing intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Poulson skillfully maneuvered his plane into position and scored two direct hits abaft the after turrets, which contributed materially to the damaging of the vessel in that action. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.