The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edward Henry Schulke (NSN: 0-263992), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-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, Junior Grade, Schulke skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack against major enemy units of a Task Force of the enemy Fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy aircraft carrier in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo which contributed materially to the sinking of the carrier after the attack. Although his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft on recovery and returned his aircraft and aircrewmen safely back to his carrier. By his superb airmanship, daring combat tactics and courage maintained in the face of tremendous opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schulke contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the Japanese Fleet in this decisive battle, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.