The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Erwin J. Wagner (NSN: 0-122013), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Bombing Squadron ONE (VFB-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in an attack on warships lying with a great Japanese Naval Base at Kure Harbor, on 28 July 1945. Diving through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from warships and shore batteries, he scored a direct hit on a battleship, inflicting serious damage on the enemy. His heroic conduct, determination and inspiring leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.