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 [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Cecil Ralph Mester (NSN: 0-176675), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VB-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Yokosuka Navy Yard, Honshu, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Participating in a coordinated attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Mester pressed home his attack against an enemy battleship and, skillfully piloting his plane through intense antiaircraft fire from both warships and shore installations, scored a direct hit on the target, inflicting severe damage. His courage and airmanship reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Mester and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Cecil Ralph Mester (NSN: 0-176675), 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 TEN (VB-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces west of the Mariana Islands, during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. By skillfully maneuvering his plane, he evaded intercepting fighters and attacked successfully an enemy aircraft carrier, placing his bomb directly upon his objective and causing definite and extensive damage. His skill, courageous conduct and aggressive a leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.