The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Willard Thomas Gove, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron THIRTEEN (VF-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during action against enemy Japanese Fleet Units in the Philippine Islands on 27 October 1944. Flying through heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Gove boldly led his division in a daring attack against an enemy cruiser and, maneuvering his plane for maximum striking power, flew in over the target to strafe the hostile ship and score several direct rocket hits. Undaunted by the intense enemy fire, he continued his run at low altitude, accurately releasing his 500-pound bomb and scoring a direct hit amidships. His brilliant airmanship, courageous leadership and superb combat tactics reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Gove and the United States Naval Service.