Torpedo Squadron 87 - Ensign Paul R. Stephens i

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS,GREETING: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS TODAY AWARDED THE

NAVY CROSS

to
ENSIGN Paul R. Stephens
UNITED STATES NAVY

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Paul R. Stephens (NSN: 0-354945), for extraordinary heroism in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Kure Area of the Inland Sea, 24 July 1945. Undaunted by extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy Naval and shore batteries, Ensign Stephens courageously dived his plane to a low altitude to attack a Japanese battleship and, by his skill and fearless determination, succeeded in scoring a direct hit on the vessel, damaging it extensively and thereby contributing to the decisive defeat of the Japanese Fleet. His superb skill as an airman and intrepid fighting spirit upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.