The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Marvin Leroy Leedom, 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 TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Undaunted by intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Leedom pressed home vigorous attacks upon an enemy battleship to score a direct hit upon the hostile vessel and inflict severe damage. His courage, expert airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty contributed to the success of his squadron in fulfilling this dangerous mission and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.