The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Thomas Byrd Van Brunt, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), attached to the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during action against major Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying without assistance from other aircraft, Lieutenant Van Brunt pressed home two daring attacks against an enemy Task Group, dropping three depth bombs alongside a heavy cruiser and scoring a direct hit on a hostile battleship. Lieutenant Van Brunt’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.