The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard C. Scobell, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Torpedo Bomber Pilot in Torpedo Bombing Squadron SEVEN (VT-7), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19) , operating against a powerful formation of Japanese Fleet units in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, off Samar, 25 October 1944. Fearlessly plunging through a sheet of concentrated and withering enemy antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Scobell launched a bitter attack on a formidable battleship in the center of the formation and, despite the target’s vigorous evasive maneuvers, succeeded in making a difficult stem-to-stern dive bombing run to score two probable damaging hits on the important vessel. Forced to make a hazardous water landing in rough seas after his plane sustained three crippling hits, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Scobell, by his dauntless fighting spirit and determined courage, was responsible in large measure for the effectiveness of this extremely hazardous mission and his unfaltering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.