The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Reneau Sprague, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VC-75), attached to the U.S.S. OMMANEY BAY (CVE-79), Bay, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. In spite of extremely heavy anti-aircraft fir e, Lieutenant Sprague skillfully maneuvered his plane, scoring a direct hit on an enemy cruiser. While on another flight, in support of a torpedo attacking group harassing the enemy, he scored a direct hit on a light cruiser. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.