The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] William Landon Farmer, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VC-76), attached to the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet during the battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a fifteen-plane strike carried out without the aid of dive bomber or surface craft support, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Farmer boldly attacked the large enemy Task force in the face of an intense barrage from anti-aircraft and main batteries. Despite the knowledge that his fuel supply was insufficient to carry him safely back to base, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Farmer succeeded in inflicting damage on the hostile warships, thereby contributing materially to the retreat of the enemy Fleet and the frustration of their attempt to upset American operations in the Philippine Islands Campaign. His gallant fighting spirit, coolness under fire and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.