The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Edwin John Weil (NSN: 0-121849), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THIRTEEN (VB-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in operations against a large enemy Task Force in the northeaster Philippine Area. On 25 October 1944, in the face of continuous and intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy air opposition, Lieutenant Weil scored a direct hit on an enemy aircraft carrier which contributed to its sinking. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.