The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Walter Victor Rudolph Vieweg, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. GAMBIER BAY (CVE-73), during action against enemy Japanese forces near Samar in the Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese ships attacked our escort carriers, Captain Vieweg held indomitably to a bold, aggressive course. He waged a fierce battle with planes and gunfire until, with vital machinery deep within the ship destroyed by the continuous blasting of heavy weapons, all hope of escape from disaster was shattered. Determined to fight the GAMBIER BAY to the end, he inspired all hands to heroic effort and, repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy’s deadly bombardment, skillfully employed his few available weapons in valiant defense of his stricken vessel. The conduct of Captain Vieweg throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.