The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Billy Dean Ray (NSN: 0-290579), 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), during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944, in the Philippine Islands. In the face of heavy and very accurate naval anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ray participated in an aerial glide bombing attack against units of an enemy fleet, and scored a direct hit on an enemy carrier, which was later 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.