The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Thomas Loftin Andrews, Jr. (NSN: 0-98552), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron FIVE (VC-5), attached to the U.S.S. KITKUN BAY (CVE-71), in action against a large enemy Japanese fleet off Samar Island, Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Under very trying circumstances, after his ship had been under enemy shellfire for several hours, Lieutenant Andrews organized, directed, and pressed home a near-perfect coordinated air attack on a Tone class heavy cruiser in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire. By his courage, skill, and determination in attack, he inspired confidence and courage in his group in their attack on this enemy cruiser. He, along with others, in his flight scored a torpedo hit amidships causing the heavy cruiser to sink a few hours later. His skill and leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.