The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Leon Frederick Kinard, 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, Kinard boldly pressed home a hazardous dive-bombing attack on a Japanese aircraft carrier and, accurately placing his bomb, scored a direct hit upon his target, despite its desperate evasive action. A superb and intrepid airman, he contributed directly to the sinking of the enemy aircraft carrier 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, Kinard and the United States Naval Service.