The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Karl Walton Kenyon, 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 THIRTY-SEVEN (VC-37), attached to the U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE-26), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Intercepting a flight of twenty-seven Japanese bomber planes approaching our transport area in the gulf, Lieutenant Kenyon shot into flames four medium bombers and damaged three others despite anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces in that area. His superb airmanship and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.