The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harry Adams Powers (NSN: 0-156604), 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 THIRTY-SEVEN (VC-37), attached to the U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE-26), in operations against superior enemy surface units threatening our forces in Leyte Gulf. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Powers made a successful torpedo attack on an enemy battleship south of Leyte Island on 25 October 1944, in a conspicuously heroic manner. By his courage, skill, and determination in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters he pressed home his attack and obtained a direct hit in a manner that was instrumental in the successful defeat of the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.