The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Samuel Lee Prickett, Jr. (NSN: 0-81529), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 24 and 25 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Commander Prickett led his squadron in attacks on the enemy and obtained torpedo hits on a battleship and an aircraft carrier causing great damage. His courage, aggressiveness, inspired leadership, and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.