The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Melville Talbert Ross (NSN: 0-301204), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), while flying as Wingman in a mission against an enemy Task Force of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, in waters west of the Central Philippines, on 24 October 1944. Ensign Ross pressed home his dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship, in the face of fire from the main batteries of the heavy units and an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. With complete disregard of personal safety, he released his bombs at low altitude, scoring direct hits and contributing materially to the severe damage inflicted on the ship. His superb airmanship, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Ensign Bearden and the United States Naval Service.