The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George Oscar Stouffer, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron THIRTY-SEVEN (VC-37), attached to the U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE-26), in operations against superior enemy units threatening our forces in Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stouffer made a successful torpedo attack on an enemy battleship south of Leyte Island on 25 October 1944, in a conspicuously heroic manner. By his courage, skill, and aggressiveness in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters he pressed home his attack and obtained a direct hit in a manner that was instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.