The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thorolf Erling Thompson (NSN: 0-263677), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. In the face of shattering anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thompson dove to perilously low altitude and pressed home his attack, scoring a direct hit on a battleship of the Yamato class. By his superb airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and gallant fortitude in the face of extremely adverse weather and savage, unceasing opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thompson contributed materially to the success of our forces in this decisive engagement. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.