The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Leon Samuel Kintberger (NSN: 0-71416), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HOEL (DD-533), in a surface engagement with a large task force of the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of Samar Island in Philippine waters on 25 October 1944. Against an enemy force vastly superior in number, firepower, and armor, he twice closed to four thousand yards to launch torpedo attacks on heavy ships of the enemy, who had his ship under constant gunfire, scoring one confirmed hit on a battleship. With an outstanding display of seamanship he again maneuvered within a short range to bring his surface guns to bear more effectively upon two heavy cruisers and the many crippling hits he scored, helped materially to put these ships out of action. By his actions he diverted enemy fire to himself from the lightly armed carriers whom he was protecting. By his skill in combat and his dauntless determination he gave inspiration to his officers and men during a most critical situation. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.