The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Carlos Wilhelm Wieber (NSN: 0-16987), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in an attack on units of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands, on 24 October 1944. Captain Wieber courageously and skillfully directed an attack on the Japanese battleship MUSASHI, inflicting heavy damage. As a result of this damage, together with that inflicted by accompanying carriers, the MUSASHI was sunk. These attacks coupled with those continuing through the next day so overwhelmed the enemy that it was not again able to put to sea with an effective naval force. His actions contributed materially to the complete defeat of the enemy and his courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.