The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Jesse W. Naul, Jr., 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 Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against an enemy Japanese Task Force off Kyushu, Japan, 7 April 1945. Joining his wingman in a coordinated two-plane attack, Lieutenant Naul braved an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire and succeeded in scoring a torpedo hit on a hostile cruiser, thereby contributing materially to its subsequent sinking. His skill, courage and devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.