The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Henry B. Bassett (NSN: 0-98468), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron TEN (VC-10), aboard the U.S.S.GAMBIER BAY (CVE-73) during the invasion of Leyte. Between 20 and 25 October 1944, he led two attacks on enemy installations on Leyte. As a result of those attacks our troops were able to effect a steady advance against strong enemy ground forces. On 25 October he was launched from his ship while it was under gunfire and he participated in repeated attacks on the enemy fleet during the opening phase of the engagement. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant Bassett made a low altitude bombing attack on a Japanese cruiser of the MOGAMI Class. As a result if the attacks in which he participated, the enemy surface ships were thrown into confusion and seriously delayed in pressing home their attack on our own carriers. His courageous conduct and skillful airmanship achieved results which were a contributing factor in the success of the Leyte invasion and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.