The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Dennis Joseph Sullivan (NSN: 0-60529), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS (CVE-66), in a surface and air engagement with a large task force of the Japanese Fleet near the Island of Samar in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. With outstanding skill, Captain Sullivan maneuvered his ship to avoid crippling blows from an enemy surface force vastly superior in numbers, armor, firepower, and speed, and successfully brought his ship through this engagement which in numbers and types of opposing forces is unique in naval history. By his own courage and complete mastery of his ship, he gave encouragement to his officers and men during the crucial ordeal and by his actions he brought great distinction upon himself. His conduct through was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.