The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Edward Watson Young, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commander of VD-24, a Radar Picket Station, in action against the enemy from 10 May 1945 to 24 June 1945, at Okinawa, in the Ryukyu Islands. As Officer in Tactical Command of a Radar Picket Station, Captain Young effectively fought off frequent and determined enemy air attacks. He conducted these stations in such a manner that fifteen enemy planes were destroyed by the ships’ guns and by the assisting fighters attached to the unit. His vigilance and decisive action kept damage incurred by his unit at a minimum. His exceptional leadership, extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.