The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Don Gene Reeves (NSN: 0-99995), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWELVE (VF-12), during the operation of U.S. Naval and Marine forces against the Solomon Islands, in 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Reeves was personally credited with having destroyed three enemy patrol planes. This, in addition to a latter strafing attack during the same flight, on stores, machine gun emplacements and personnel on Florida, Gavutu, and Tulagi Islands contributed immeasurably to the successful reduction and capture of these islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.