The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Thomas Joseph Conroy, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VF-22), attached to the U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Conroy participated in the interception of a large group of enemy planes attempting to attack our Task Force and pressed home his attack to shoot down SIX planes and to inflict severe damage on three others. Although his plane was struck several times by enemy fire, he continued to engage the enemy until his ammunition and fuel were exhausted. His high combat efficiency, courage and devotion to duty were instrumental in preventing damage to our ships and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Conroy and the United States Naval Service.