The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Leon Stevens Conner (NSN: 0-251429), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber in in Composite Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), while engaging a strong enemy Japanese Fleet in the Battle of Samar Island off the east coast of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. In the face of withering anti-aircraft fire from the hostile warships, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Conner pressed home his attack, scoring a direct bomb hit on a Japanese battleship, a near miss on a heavy cruiser, aided in a direct hit on another heavy cruiser and straddled a light cruiser with his bombs. His attack of attack came at a time when enemy shell fire was inflicting heavy damage on our escort carriers. His personal heroism and devotion to duty contributed to the saving of our ships from further serious damage and his conduct throughout the attack was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.