The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Joseph Cooper Black (NSN: 0-99955), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Participating in a vigorous strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Black boldly plunged through continuous, intense anti-aircraft fire to carry out his attack and, expertly maneuvering to release his torpedo at close range, succeeded in scoring a damaging hit on an enemy battleship. By his superb airmanship, daring combat tactics and courage maintained in the face of tremendous opposition, Lieutenant Black contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the Japanese Fleet in this decisive battle, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Joseph Cooper Black (NSN: 0-99955), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Manila Bay, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 November 1944. Participating in a bold aerial strike against a heavy Japanese cruiser of the NACHI Class, Lieutenant Commander Black pressed home a determined attack to and extremely close range and, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, scored a direct hit on the hostile ship. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.