The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lester Dane Scheff, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHT (VB-8), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during the attack on the Japanese Battle Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Scheff pressed home his attack against an enemy battleship of the KONGO class in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers, including battleship main strong aerial opposition. He showed great skill and conspicuous courage by obtaining a direct bomb hit on the target causing considerable damage. Throughout this operation, which was made beyond the known radius of the type aircraft he was flying, he conducted himself with complete disregard for his personal safety, and he materially contributed to the success of the operation. His conduct throughout the operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.