The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Richard Lucius Kibbe, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Acting Commander Air Group THIRTEEN (AG-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during action against enemy Japanese Fleet Units in the Philippine Islands Area, from 24 to 25 October 1944. Braving heavy anti-aircraft fire, Commander Kibbe boldly led his division in a daring attack against major units of the enemy fleet and, maneuvering his plane for maximum striking power, flew in over the target in a preliminary run to strafe the hostile ships and score several dire ct rocket hits which crippled two destroyers and a cruiser. Acting as Air Coordinator over the enemy warships on 25 October, he flew through intense gunfire and coolly directed repeated attacks which sank or damaged at least six warships. By his brilliant airmanship, superb combat tactics and intelligent direction in the face of grave hazards, Commander Kibbe contributed to the success of our air operations in this strategic area, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.