The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Earl Henry Steiger (NSN: 0-104346), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Composite Squadron THIRTEEN (VC-13), attached to the U.S.S. CORE (CVE-13), while protecting a torpedo bomber on antisubmarine patrol in the Atlantic on 13 July 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Earl H. Steiger attacked a German submarine which had been caught on the surface in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from the submarine, and continued strafing it until ammunition was exhausted. He made two strafing attacks under continuous anti-aircraft fire, clearing the submarine’s decks sufficiently to permit a TBF plane to make a depth-charge run which resulted in disabling of the submarine. On the third attack, with ammunition in one gun only, Lieutenant Steiger’s plane was seen to fall off the left wing and disappear into the water. Search of area failed to locate body or wreckage of plane. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.