The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Neil F. Swarthout (NSN: 0-325804), 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 SIX (VBF-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), assigned to attack major enemy Fleet units at Kure Harbor, on 28 July 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Swarthout made a skillful and courageous bombing run upon an enemy battleship scoring a direct hit with a 1,000-pound bomb, despite accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore batteries. His attack contributed materially to the heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy vessel. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.