The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jack Scott (NSN: 0-173452), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Scott pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of that vessel. His courage, daring tactics and fearless devotion to duty were essential factors in the success of our forces and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Scott and the United States Naval Service.