Navy Cross. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Ward Reed (NSN: 0-81328), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SUNFISH (SS-281), on the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 31 March 1945 to 28 April 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Tenaciously closing heavily escorted enemy shipping, Lieutenant Commander Reed launched aggressive and well conducted torpedo attacks sinking vessels totaling approximately 13,200 tons, and damaging others. With brilliant tactics he brought his ship safely to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. -- Center is his wife Barbara (Dyer).
