The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Luther Delano Prater, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. When protecting torpedo and bomber aircraft on a strike against the Japanese fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Prater flew low to strafe and thereby disrupt the enemy’s anti-aircraft fire so that the attacking aircraft were able to press home their runs and obtain many damaging hits. After returning to base he was immediately launched on another strike. Again he pressed home his strafing runs so that further bomb and torpedo hits were made. Several units of the enemy fleet including aircraft carriers were sunk as a result of these strikes. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.