The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Arthur A. Kropp, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Aircrewman of a Torpedo Plane in Air Group Twenty, attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, October 25, 1944. Cool and courageous in the face of heavy and accurate enemy antiaircraft fire, KROPP maintained constant radio communication during a torpedo attack on a hostile carrier, thereby rendering invaluable aid to his pilot and contributing to the success of his squadron in the fulfillment of this dangerous mission. His skill, calmness and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.