The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John Francis Hutto, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Photographic Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a vigorous strike against an enemy Japanese battleship, Lieutenant Hutto boldly dived through the enemy’s heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire and skillfully maneuvered his plane to release a well-placed bomb, severely crippling the vessel. Subsequently returning to the action, he piloted his craft at low altitude over the crippled enemy ship to photograph the damage inflicted, thereby rendering invaluable aid to his Task Force Commander. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Hutto contributed materially to the successful completion of this important mission and to the extensive losses sustained by the Japanese forces in this Battle. His dauntless fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty throughout his hazardous operation reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.