The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Perry Edwards, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an airplane in Utility Squadron ONE (VJ-1), and for extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Although contact with the enemy meant almost certain destruction and despite the lack of any armament in this type plane, Ensign Edwards voluntarily piloted a JRS amphibian plane, equipped only with Springfield rifles, in search for and to obtain information of the enemy forces. Ensign Edwards’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.