The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain James Bennett Sykes (NSN: 0-34582), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against the enemy from 10 February 1945 through 19 May 1945, at Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands. Although subjected to numerous enemy air attacks in force, Captain Sykes maneuvered his ship to bring all guns to bear and successfully shot down several planes without damage to his ship. He directed his ship and air group in an outstanding manner against the enemy accounting for one hundred seventy-four enemy planes shot down or destroyed, damage to important units of the Japanese Fleet and shore installations and destruction of enemy shipping. His inspiring leadership consistently maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high peak and made possible the outstanding record of destruction wrought upon the enemy. His courageous and inspiring leadership and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.