The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Carl Frederick Luedemann, 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 ONE (VT-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against the enemy fleet west of the Mariana Islands during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Participating in a daring strike on hostile warships, Lieutenant Luedemann fought his plane gallantly against enemy intercepting aircraft and, going in low despite intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, launched a brilliantly executed torpedo attack on a Japanese destroyer to sink an enemy ship with a direct torpedo hit. Fighting off a determined hostile fighter attack, he skillfully returned to his Task Group after night fall. His superb airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Luedemann and the United States Naval Service.