The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Kevin Patrick Lynch, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane of Bombing Squadron ELEVEN (VB-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a strike against a large enemy Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Lynch pressed home a daring attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and succeeded in scoring a direct 1,000-pound bomb hit on an enemy heavy cruiser. Attacked by an enemy fighter while withdrawing from the target, he carried out successful evasive measures and retired safe to base. His gallant fighting spirit and devotion to the fulfillment of a vital assignment reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Lynch and the United States Naval Service.