The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Ronald Paul Gift, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo airplane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT (VT-28), attached to the U.S.S. MONTEREY (CVL-26), operating against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Mariana Islands during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. As leader of a division of Torpedo Planes, Lieutenant Gift pressed his attack with coolness and disregard of extreme personal danger, personally making three direct hits on an enemy aircraft carrier. The attack was carried to a low level despite intense anti-aircraft fire from many heavily armed units of the enemy fleet, and resulted in 12 hits and 4 near misses by the members of his squadron. Due to Lieutenant Gift’s skill, determination and leadership, his division and many other planes were able to return safely a distance of 300 miles after dark through unfavorable weather to their carriers. Lieutenant Gift’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.