The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Wallace Frank Leeker, 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 vigorous strike mission against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leeker gallantly plunged through the enemy’s barrage of extremely intense anti-aircraft fire and skillfully directed his plane to score a direct torpedo hit upon a hostile aircraft carrier, contributing materially to her subsequent sinking. Although his craft was struck by enemy fire and his wing was set on fire by exploding shells, he continued to press home a determined attack against the enemy vessel. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and daring tactics, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leeker was instrumental in achieving a decisive victory over the Japanese Fleet during this Battle. His dauntless fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.