The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edmund J. Stulce, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane on 24 July 1945, in the vicinity of Kure, Honshu. While participating in a carrier strike against major Japanese warships in the Inland Sea, he skillfully and courageously pressed home an attack on an enemy converted battleship, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct bomb hit which contributed materially to sinking the vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.