The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Eugene Weickhardt, Jr. (NSN: 0-299469), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VF-23), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action against the enemy on 29 March 1945, while deployed over Kyushu, Japan. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Weickhardt intercepted an enemy plane while on patrol, which was making a diving attack on a heavy unit of our Task Force. In the face of a terrific barrage of protective anti-aircraft fire from friendly Fleet units, he fearlessly and courageously pursued the enemy plane, setting it afire and preventing it from completing the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.