The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Paul Johan Wahlstrom (NSN: 0-250882), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in an attack against a major unit of the enemy Fleet in the Tokyo Bay Area, on 17 February 1945. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wahlstrom skillfully and courageously conducted his aircraft in a fighter-bomber attack against an enemy aircraft carrier, scoring a direct bomb hit which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.