The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Edwin Foresman Schoch (NSN: 0-116528), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Schoch aggressively and skillfully dove through intense anti-aircraft fire to strafe and accurately bomb a battleship. Severe damage was inflicted on the battleship and it slowed perceptibly after this attack. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.