The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Vincent Henry Harris, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VC-76), attached to the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), and deployed over Samar in the Philippine Islands, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Ensign Harris gallantly pursued and pressed home a daring attack on an enemy ship in the face of an intense and accurate barrage of fire, including projectiles from the main batteries of the enemy vessel. With bold determination and utter disregard for his own safety, he drove home his attack which resulted in serious damage to a major enemy warship. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.