The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade David Smiley Stear, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in an aerial flight against major enemy fleet forces on 20 June 1944, while deployed over the Philippine Sea. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire which hit his Division Leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stear pressed home a determined dive bombing attack and scored a direct hit on a large enemy carrier thereby assisting materially in its destruction. He encouraged his Division Leader whose plane was badly hit and who was wounded and took the lead and led him to our Task Forces. He was one of the three bombing planes who landed safely aboard that night. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.