The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Dale Edgar Shelton (NSN: 0-364148), 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 TEN (VBF-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in the air attack on 7 April 19465, against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea, including a battleship, cruisers and destroyers. In spite of extremely adverse weather conditions and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Shelton coolly and accurately pressed home his attack on the Japanese battleship. His direct hit contributed materially to the sinking of that vessel immediately after the attack. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.