The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain Ernest Willard Downey (NSN: 80495), United States Navy, for heroism in combat against the enemy directing and operating anti-aircraft fire from his vessel while exposed to frequent attacks by the enemy and dive bombers, during the period 7 December 1941 to 25 February 1942, while on board the U.S.S. VAGA (YT-116). While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Boatswain Downey participated in operations of strategic importance involving hazardous missions such as to reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.