The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Saul William Herman, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant Herman braved withering anti-aircraft fire to launch a devastating bombing attack on a hostile Task Group and, by his determination and courage, succeeded in scoring a direct hit on an enemy battleship. His superb skill as an airman, resolute fighting spirit and brilliant combat tactics throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Herman and the United States Naval Service.