The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Bernard Joseph St. John, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea on 24 October 1944. Pressing home his attack at low altitude, Ensign St. John scored a direct hit on a large Japanese cruiser. This hit was report ed the major reason for the ship’s sinking. He carried out this action in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire without regard for personal safety. His coolness, courage, and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.