The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Thomas P. Gavin, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber, in action on 18 July 1945, in an attack on the enemy battleship NAGATO, at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Lieutenant Gavin deliberately carried his bomb to a low release point, thereby causing extensive damage to the ship. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.