The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John H. Jorgenson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in dive bombing attacks against Japanese forces at Tulagi on 4 May 1942, and two attacks against enemy aircraft carriers in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. These attacks, pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy vessels at Tulagi and in the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of the other. His actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Jorgenson was a life member.