The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign John Elton Avery (NSN: 0-315131), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly pressing home his attack to low altitude in the face of accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from the entire enemy disposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Avery obtained a direct hit upon an aircraft carrier of the SHOKAKU class, contributing materially to the sinking of this ship. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.