The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Earl Donald Peterson (NSN: 0-299570), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-SIX (VT-26), attached to the U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), in an attack against a large Japanese force of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers off Cebu Island, Philippine Islands. Without the benefit of diversion by dive bombing or strafing and despite a dangerously low fuel supply, Ensign Peterson pressed home his attack with tenacity and skill through intense anti-aircraft fire. Upon completion of the attack, his plane severely damaged and he himself wounded by enemy fire, he escorted three other planes, also low on fuel, in the direction of the nearest friendly forces. When they were forced down in the water he arranged sea-air rescue for them. Because the damage to his own plane prevented a carrier landing, he skillfully made a water landing and helped his crew to safety. His extraordinary heroism and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.