The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Query Ranson (NSN: 0-130422), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron THIRTEEN (VT-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action on 24 October 1943, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. In the face of heavy and very accurate naval anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ranson led his division in an aerial torpedo attack against units of an enemy Fleet, and scoring a direct hit upon an enemy cruiser which was observed to sink. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.