The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gordon Brittain Whelpley (NSN: 0-129916), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Whelpley skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack against major units of a Task Force of the enemy Fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he made a determined attack releasing his torpedo at close range on an enemy light cruiser. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.