The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ralph Edward Scheurer, 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 Fighting Squadron TWO (VBF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), on 20 June 1944, while deployed over the Philippine Sea. In the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire opposition Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Scheurer pressed home a determined dive bombing attack scoring a hit on a large enemy carrier, thereby assisting materially in its destruction. Although his engine was hit by small caliber anti-aircraft during his pull-out and retirement, he returned as far toward our Task Forces as he could, then landed his plane in the water. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.