The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Wilfred O. McDowell (NSN: 0-156360), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in an attack against the strong enemy force off Kyushu on 7 April 1945. As pilot of a carrier based torpedo plane he participated in a five-plane coordinated attack on a Japanese cruiser which was hit by two torpedoes contributing to its later sinking. His attack was made in the face of withering anti-aircraft fire from the entire enemy force. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.