The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Dimitri Samaras (NSN: 0-337946), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VB-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against Japanese forces on 7 April 1945, while deployed over the East China Sea. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Samaras skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a dive bombing attack against major units of a task force of the enemy fleet including one large battleship, a cruiser and several destroyers. During the action he pressed his attack on the enemy battleship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire scoring direct hits with his bombs which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.