The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Claude Claremore Nathan, Jr., 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 TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), attached to the U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), during her action against the enemy off Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nathan led his Torpedo Division through intense anti-aircraft fire, to register two hits on an enemy Cruiser. His perfect approach, timing and execution caused much damage to the enemy, thus preventing serious harm to his own forces. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.