The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Irving Stanislaus Fellner, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber 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 24 October 1944. Participating in a vigorous strike against a large enemy Task Force in the Sibuyan Sea, Lieutenant Fellner boldly led his section in the face of intense and continuous hostile anti-aircraft fire and skillfully maneuvered his plane to score a direct hit upon a Japanese battleship, crippling it severely. By his brilliant airmanship, daring initiative and gallant fighting spirit, maintained against tremendous odds, Lieutenant Fellner contributed materially to the overwhelming damage inflicted upon the Japanese Fleet during this historic battle. His outstanding courage and inspiring leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.