The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Harold J. W. Eppler, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo plane. On 18 July 1945, he was leader of a flight of all torpedo planes from five carriers whose mission was destruction of heavy anti-aircraft positions on Yokosuka peninsula during the attacks on a Japanese battleship and other enemy units. He led his flight with such skill that despite intense anti-aircraft fire from ship and shore based guns all planes reached the target. He then attacked so expertly that gun positions were blanketed and he personally silenced at least two batteries with his bombs. So skillfully did he lead this attack that bombers and fighters following him down scored at least two hits on the battleship and five to six hits close aboard. His leadership in the attack was instrumental in silencing enemy fire to the extent that not a plane from his air group was lost. His leadership, skill, courage and coolness under heavy fire were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.