John W. Beck

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John W. Beck (0-363317), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), embarked from the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), and deployed over the Inland Sea of Japan on 28 July 1945. Opposed by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from ships and shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Beck fearlessly and aggressively pressed home a successful glide-bombing attack scoring a direct hit on an enemy heavy cruiser which was subsequently beached to prevent sinking. His cool skill and bravery in executing this attack in the face of heavy opposition were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific, Serial 01896 (September 22, 1945)