The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Lewis Ben Sanders (NSN: 0-114756), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VT-21), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Sanders led his squadron in a torpedo attack on an enemy carrier Task Group in the Philippine Sea. In spite of the fact that he was forced to fly close to protecting ships and subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he dropped his torpedo at low altitude and close range and scored a direct and damaging hit on an enemy aircraft carrier. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.