The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Everett Logue Wheeler, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VB-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in an attack on the Japanese heavy cruiser TONE, on 28 July 1945, in the vicinity of Kure Harbor, in the Inland Sea of Japan. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, originating on the ship itself and being support ed by shore batteries along the approach and retirement courses, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wheeler skillfully and courageously pressed home his bombing run, making a severely damaging direct hit with a one thousand pound bomb, which contributed materially to the beaching and placing out of action this major enemy Fleet unit. His superb airmanship and his brave disregard for his own personal safety in the carrying out of this highly important mission were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.