Joseph Breslove, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph Breslove, Jr. (0-106282), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Dive Bomber embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in a carrier strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet at Yokosuka in Tokyo Bay on 18 July 1945. Lieutenant Breslove skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship. During this action, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he scored a direct hit with his bomb which contributed materially to the damage of the vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01702 (September 3, 1945)