The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Charles O. Dodson, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Section Leader in Fighting Squadron FIFTY (VF-50), attached to the U.S.S. COWPENS (CVL-25), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 25 July 1945. After all other planes of the Task Force returned to base because of extremely adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Dodson, accompanied by only one other pilot, flew through to the target area. Then, executing a bombing and strafing attack on a battleship-carrier in the face of accurate anti-aircraft fire, he inflicted serious damage on the hostile vessel. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.