The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Edward Young, 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 NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in an attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Through withering anti-aircraft fire from all enemy units, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Young first escorted photographic planes, and then, in a skillful bombing run scored a direct hit on an enemy cruiser aiding in its final destruction. Following the main action, he orbited a downed pilot under continuous anti-aircraft fire from remaining enemy destroyers, until it was necessary to leave the scene because of lack of fuel. His devotion to duty, courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.