The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] George William Gaiennie, 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 EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. When our carrier forces were under attack by major units of the Japanese Navy, Lieutenant Gaiennie carried out two unsupported torpedo attacks against the hostile warships and, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scored a torpedo hit on a heavy enemy cruiser which contributed directly to its sinking. Volunteering to go on the last strike of the day, he attacked a light cruiser through withering anti-aircraft fire, scoring a straddle and inflicting extensive damage. His gallant fighting spirit and intrepid actions upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.