The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Delmar Alfred Schatz, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SEVENTEEN (VT-17), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action on 7 February 1944, in the North Passage of Truk Atoll. On that date, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schatz obtained a direct hit amidships with a torpedo on a Japanese MINEKAZE Class destroyer, which caused it to sink in ninety seconds. With complete disregard for his own safety, and with superb skill and marksmanship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schatz drove his attack to a point where a hit, and the consequent destruction of the enemy destroyer was a certainty. By his personal heroism on this occasion he succeeded in causing severe damage to the enemy. His heroism in this attack was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.