The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Ralph W. Ashbridge, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving aboard U.S.S. SUWANEE (CV-27). Ensign Ashbridge engaged a capital ship, and aircraft of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. As leader of a strike group, he skillfully deployed his sections, and despite intense anti-aircraft fire, delivered a successful and effective initial bombing attack on a fleeing enemy heavy cruiser. While returning from this action, his group encountered five Japanese aircraft, whereupon he aggressively engaged them, supporting his flight and assisting in the complete destruction of the enemy planes. With very little fuel remaining, he then led his group to a successful landing, after dusk, under very hazardous circumstances, on an unfinished air strip. His leadership, courageous example, and his airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.