The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John D. Reichel, 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 SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in attacks against the enemy main Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. The flight in which he participated dive bombed two large enemy aircraft carriers probably sinking one of them and contributing to the sinking of the other and also shot down two enemy fighters in the face of continuous heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. The flight was further hazarded by the extreme range of the attack and the return to the carrier and landing of large groups of planes more than two hours after sunset. The attack was carried through to completion despite the knowledge that doing so jeopardized a safe return. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Reichel contributed materially to the success of our operations in this historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.