The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ross Alfred Lindstrom, 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 EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), while engaging a strong enemy Japanese Fleet in the Battle of Samar Island off the east coast of the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Lindstrom carried out an unsupported torpedo attack against one of a group of enemy heavy cruisers, in company with two other Torpedo Planes in the face of withering anti-aircraft fire from the hostile warships. The attack of these planes inflicted serious damage on the leading cruiser at a time when their shell fire was inflicting heavy damage on our escort carriers. His personal heroism and devotion to duty contributed to the saving of our ships from further serious damage and his conduct throughout the attack was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.