The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edward Smiadak, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action on 24 July 1945, in the bombing of the enemy battleship HYUGA, in Kure Harbor. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smiadak skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a bombing attack in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire scoring a hit with his bomb which contributed materially to the sinking of that ship. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.