The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Robert Gore, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), attached to the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a three-plane strike on a Japanese Task Group, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gore pressed home his attack on an enemy heavy cruiser, scoring five direct hits. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he then made continuous strafing runs until his ammunition was expended. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gore and the United States Naval Service.