The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Peirson Regester, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CVL-10), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Flying at extreme range from base to participate in a daring strike on a hostile aircraft carrier, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Regester fought his plane gallantly against enemy intercepting aircraft and, going in low despite the intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, launched a brilliantly executed dive-bombing attack which resulted in the scoring of three direct and two probable hits on the enemy warship. With his fuel exhausted, he succeeded in making a safe water landing at night and was later rescued by a friendly destroyer. His great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit in the fulfillment of a hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Regester and the United States Naval Service.