The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald Keith Issitt, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron FIVE (VC-5), attached to the U.S.S. KITKUN BAY (CVE-71), in action against a large enemy Japanese fleet off Samar Island, Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack home with great skill and courage, attaining three hits with his four bombs on a MOGAMI Class heavy cruiser. As a result of these hits and those of others in his flight, this cruiser exploded and sank. To a great extent his extremely brave and skillful action was responsible for inducing the large enemy units of battleships and cruisers to withdraw and cease shelling six helpless escort carriers and their destroyer escorts. This action was carried through with great distinction and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.