The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign J. Donald Wakeham (NSN: 0-99888), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TEN (VB-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against Japanese forces in the Coral Sea, on 7 May 1942. Ensign Wakeham pressed home his attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, diving his plane at an enemy aircraft carrier and releasing his 1,000-pound bomb calmly and with accuracy. He contributed materially to the high percentage of hits inflicted by his squadron and assisted in the destruction of the enemy carrier. His action contributed greatly to the success of the U.S. Naval Forces engaging the enemy in the Battle for the Coral Sea, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.