The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Ritchie, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron THIRTY-SEVEN (VC-37), attached to the Escort Carrier U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE-26), in operations against superior enemy surface units threatening our forces in near Samar in the Philippine Islands during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. When our carriers were under close attack by heavy Japanese surface units, he participated in a bombing attack and repeated strafing attacks against them in the face of most intensive anti-aircraft fire and with utter disregard for his personal safety. During this action he shot down two enemy planes attacking our forces. His heroic conduct contributed to the withdrawal of the enemy and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.