The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Steven G. Sullivan (NSN: 0-130622), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader in Torpedo Squadron SEVENTEEN (VT-17), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant Sullivan participated in an attack on an enemy Task Force comprised of battleships, cruisers and destroyers in the East China Sea. Flying through extremely intense anti-aircraft fire which damaged his own plane he attacked the enemy battleship and, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo, contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel as a result of the attack. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.