The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Dietrick Lamade, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of Carrier Air Group SEVEN (CAG-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces over Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. As leader of a carrier-based aircraft strike against the Japanese Fleet, Commander Lamade organized and directed his forces in a manner resulting in major damage to the enemy. After his own aircraft had been seriously damaged, he courageously made an attack on an enemy battleship. Commander Lamade’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.