The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James E. Walley (NSN: 0-351278), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in a strike against an enemy heavy cruiser in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 28 July 1945. Enemy anti-aircraft opposition was severe from both warships and adjacent shore batteries. Despite this intense and accurate heavy and medium anti-aircraft fire he skillfully and courageously executed a glide bombing attack on the Japanese heavy cruiser, scoring a direct hit on that ship which was subsequently beached to prevent its sinking. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.