The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Neil V. Seckinger (NSN: 0-402774), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FORTY-NINE (VT-49), attached to the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in the aerial attack on major Japanese combatant shipping at the strongly defended Kure Naval Base in Southwestern Honshu, on 28 July 1945. In the face of continuing intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Seckinger skillfully maneuvered his plane into position, releasing two bombs on a heavy cruiser and scoring a direct hit amidships which contributed materially to the disabling of the vessel in that action. His persistence and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.