The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Ward F. Powell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Section Leader of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the engagement with enemy Japanese naval and air forces near the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Although he was faced with strong fighter opposition and withering anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Powell led his flight in an attack against the enemy which resulted in two direct bomb hits on a Japanese heavy cruiser. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.