The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Leonard Ernest Waldrop, 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 in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire which seriously damaged his plane, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Waldrop pressed home six attacks on an enemy cruiser without the support of other aircraft. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Waldrop and the United States Naval Service.