The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant John Wesley Wright, Jr. (NSN: 0-101233), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in in action against the enemy Fleet on 7 April 1945, in the East China Sea. In command of twelve carrier-based fighter planes, Lieutenant Wright led his flight in a strafing and bombing attack against an enemy force which was operating off the Japan Mainland in the vicinity of Kyushu. The enemy force was composed of one battleship, two light cruisers, and many destroyers. He led the attack while under intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft and heavy gun fire. His tactics and skill in leadership were such that at least four direct hits were made on units of the enemy fleet, he making one of the direct hits on a cruiser. In addition to the immediate damage wrought by bombing and strafing, the diversionary effect of this attack was of material aid to the striking torpedo plane. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.