The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner’s Mate Third Class James Ralph Reid, Jr. (NSN: 6575399), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Naval Group (China) when, as a crew member of an Allied junk on 21 August 1945, they were attacked by a heavily-armed Japanese junk. Though his craft was under heavy fire, and the enemy’s first round from a 75-mm. pack howitzer carried away the foremast of Gunner’s Mate Reid’s junk, he coolly and deliberately carried a bazooka run to the bow where in an extremely exposed position he scored four direct hits on the enemy vessel. He fired and reloaded his weapon in a highly skillful manner with utter disregard for his own personal safety. When his junk had closed to within 50 feet of the enemy, Gunner’s Mate Reid further distinguished himself by climbing upon the rail and hurled a grenade into the hatch of the enemy craft inflicting heavy casualties and loss of life, whereupon the enemy ran up a white flag of surrender. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Reid’s coolness under heavy fire, his skillful handling of his weapons, extreme courage and distinguished heroism were highly commendable and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.