The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Clyde “G” Gardner, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte gulf, on 24 October 1944. Fearlessly pressing his attack to low altitude in the face of accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from the entire enemy disposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gardner skillfully obtained a direct hit upon a Japanese battleship of the YAMATO class. By his superb airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty throughout a perilous assignment, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gardner contributed directly to the success of this historic Battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.