The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Joseph Julian Eisenhuth, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber and Division Leader in Bombing Squadron THIRTEEN (VB-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a vigorous strike against a large enemy Task Force, Lieutenant Eisenhuth boldly led his Division in the face of intense and continuous hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition and skillfully maneuvered his plane to score a direct hit upon a Japanese aircraft carrier, contributing materially to its sinking. By his brilliant airmanship, daring initiative and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Eisenhuth was instrumental in the overwhelming damage inflicted upon the Japanese Fleet during this historic battle. His outstanding courage and gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.