The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Louis Andrew Heilmann (NSN: 0-299348), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in operations against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Courageous and skillful in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous fire from hostile anti-aircraft batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Heilmann boldly pressed home a hazardous dive-bombing attack on a Japanese battleship and, accurately placing his bomb, scored a direct hit upon the target, despite its desperate evasive tactics. A superb and intrepid airman, he contributed directly to the sinking of the enemy battleship and played a gallant part in strenuous aerial operations during this critical period of the Pacific War. His courage, daring tactics and fearless devotion to duty were essential factors in the success of our forces and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Heilmann and the United States Naval Service.