The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Watertender First Class Lyle Maxton Skinner, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. When the U.S.S. HORNET was being shaken by bursting bombs, Watertender First Class Skinner, although ordered to abandon ship, gallantly entered an oil-filled elevator pit and rescued a trapped shipmate who might have perished. The conduct of Watertender First Class Skinner throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.