The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Ernest Sipprell (NSN: 0-263993), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack against major units of the Task Force of the enemy Fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy light cruiser scoring a direct hit with his torpedo which seriously damaged the vessel. By his superb airmanship, daring combat tactics and courage maintained in the face of tremendous opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sipprell contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the Japanese Fleet in this decisive battle, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.