The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles Wilson Shattuck, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY (VT-80), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), during operations against Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. On 25 November 1944, Lieutenant Commander Shattuck led his flight of nine planes on a daring strike against an enemy heavy cruiser, skillfully maneuvered his formation for maximum striking power and, despite a constant barrage of shattering anti-aircraft fire, succeeded in scoring a direct hit to assist in the sinking of the hostile vessel. By his forceful leadership, skilled combat tactics and zealous devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Admiral Shattuck contributed materially to the success of our forces in this strategic area and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.