The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman “B” Parmley, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron EIGHTY (VC-80), attached to the U.S.S. MANILA BAY (CVE-61), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. Accompanied by only one other torpedo plane and unsupported by fighter escort, Lieutenant Parmley braved intense anti-aircraft fire to press home a torpedo attack and score a direct hit which severely damaged and left smoking heavily a hostile battleship serving with the enemy Task Force attacking our invasion Fleet at Leyte. His courage, airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.