The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant George C. Shoemaker (NSN: 0-156480), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in an attack on the enemy battleship NAGATO, at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Although under fire by the large number of anti-aircraft batteries n the shore and a great many ships in the harbor, Lieutenant Shoemaker courageously pressed home his attack and scored a direct and damaging hit on the ship. His skill, courage and determination were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.