The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Vernon J. Sistrunk, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 26 October 1944. Carrying out his attack at low altitude in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sistrunk scored a direct torpedo hit on an enemy carrier. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.