The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Eugene Sheridan (NSN: 0-156403), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in strikes against a Japanese Task Force on 24 and 25 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. On 24 October Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sheridan flew through severe anti-aircraft fire to score rocket hits on an enemy battleship. On 25 October, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he attacked and scored a direct bomb hit on a battleship. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.