The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Graham Tahler (NSN: 0-125897), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VTB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), during action against enemy Japanese Fleet units at Kure, Japan, 28 July 1945. Lieutenant Tahler pressed his attack home in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire from heavy combat ships and shore batteries and releasing his four five-hundred pound bombs at low altitude, scored a direct hit on the stern of the battleship HARUNA and one very near miss, damaging her severely. The flight to the target and return was completed in extremely adverse weather marked by very low ceiling, rain and restricted visibility. His skillful airmanship, intrepid spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.