The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Electrician’s Mate Third Class Louis R. Gramling (NSN: 8441184), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Escort Carrier U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), during operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944, in assisting to extinguish the fires burning in damaged depth charges aboard the U.S.S. SANTEE. Electrician’s Mate Third Class Gramling, with complete disregard for his own safety, brought fire hoses to the scene of fires caused by a Japanese attack and stayed there fighting the fires until they were totally extinguished. His determination, devotion to duty and courageous action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.