The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Irvin Kramer, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kremer gallantly defied the enemy’s intense anti-aircraft fire and flew his plane over the entire enemy force to press home his attack upon an aircraft carrier and a heavy cruiser. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and daring tactics, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kramer contributed materially to the infliction of overwhelming damage upon the Japanese Fleet during this Battle. His dauntless spirit and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.