The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edric Robert Mason, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VT-21), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 19 and 25 October 1944. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire to press home a torpedo attack against enemy shipping in Manila Bay on 19 October, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mason aided in the sinking of a large tanker, the probable sinking of a cargo ship and the damaging of two other cargo ships. Flying in low over his target in the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October against fierce opposition, he pressed home a close-range attack to score a direct hit on an aircraft carrier. By his outstanding ability as an airman, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mason contributed to the infliction of costly damage upon the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.