The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Donald Grant Reeder (NSN: 0-305717), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in a strike against a Japanese Task Group during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944, in the Philippine Islands. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Reeder attacked and scored a direct bomb hit on a light cruiser. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.