The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] William Costello Brooks, Jr., 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 SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), attached to the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during action against major Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brooks pressed home two attacks against the enemy. He single-handedly attacked a heavy cruiser with depth bombs and, subsequently participating in a three-plane torpedo attack and scored a direct hit on an enemy battleship. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brooks and the United States Naval Service.