The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Fred Burr Roach (NSN: 0-320541), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FORTY-FOUR (VT-44), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Ensign Roach pressed home his attack in the face of intense and heavy anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit on a Japanese battleship. The three attacking torpedo planes were the only planes below the cloud base and hence were subject to very intense light and medium anti-aircraft fire from the battleship and escorting cruiser on approach and retirement. Ensign Roach’s conduct, achievement and disregard of personal safety was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.