The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Seaman First Class Jerrold E. Thomas, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Escort Carrier U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), in operations against the enemy on 25 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. Seaman First Class Thomas assisted to extinguish the fires burning in damaged depth charges aboard the U.S.S. SANTEE. With complete disregard for his own safety, he brought fire hoses to the scene of fires caused by a Japanese attack and stayed there fighting the fires until they were totally extinguished. His determination, devotion to duty and courageous action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.