The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald William Morris, 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 EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Boldly flying through intense anti-aircraft fire to press home a low-level attack against a Battleship Task Force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Morris succeeded in scoring a direct hit on a hostile vessel and, although his plane was damaged by enemy fire, made a safe return to base. By his outstanding airmanship, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Morris contributed to the infliction of costly damage upon the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.