The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Van Gorden Stauber, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet west of the Mariana Islands during the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Although the enemy forces were beyond the normal combat range of his aircraft, Ensign Stauber persisted in his mission, sought out the enemy and delivered a successful attack. Through intense anti-aircraft fire he attempted to launch his torpedo against an enemy carrier but failing in this he tenaciously sought another target and with his torpedo struck a heavy cruiser. His courage, skill, and determination in attacking and inflicting severe damage upon the enemy were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval service.