The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Herschel Baker Davis, Jr., 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-ONE (VT-21), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Flying in low over his target in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davis pressed home a bold attack upon an enemy carrier task group at perilously close range to score a direct and damaging hit upon a battleship. Participating in another daring strike on the same day, he contributed to the destruction of an aircraft carrier. His brilliant airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were important factors in the infliction of extensive damage upon the enemy and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davis and the United States Naval Service.