The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Edward Reynold Wendt, Jr. (NSN: 0-378603), 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 SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in an attack on units of the Japanese Fleet, including a battleship, many destroyers, and other warships in Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Ensign Wendt skillfully and courageously piloted his dive bomber through devastating anti-aircraft fire from both enemy warships in the harbor and the many batteries n shore, to score a direct bomb hit on the enemy battleship which contributed materially to the extensive and vital damage done this vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.