The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Jacob Matthew Reisert (NSN: 0-112629), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader in Carrier Air Group THIRTY (AG-30), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), participating in a long range attack on enemy war vessels in the Nansei Shoto Islands on 1 March 1945. Against extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Reisert expertly maneuvered the planes of his Division into position for the attack. He scored one direct hit and one very near miss on a destroyer, contributing greatly to the damage and probable sinking of the warship and causing severe loss to the enemy. Although seriously wounded and his plane badly damaged by an explosive anti-aircraft shell, he subsequently piloted his crippled plane for more than two hours until the nearest friendly vessel was reached. With total disregard for his own wounds, he remained in his plane circling overhead while his two crewmen parachuted and were rescued safely. In doing so, he over-extended his strength so that when he later parachuted he was unable to properly release himself upon contact with the water, and when rescued he was found already dead from the effects of his shrapnel wounds. His outstanding bravery, tenacity, and solicitude for the safety of others dependent upon him set a brilliant example of courage, skill, and devotion to duty that is in all respects in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.