The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Percival W. Jackson (NSN: 0-77712), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Squadron Commander of Composite Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), attached to the U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), in close engagement with a large Task Force of the enemy in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. His intrepid zeal and aggressive attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire resulted in a torpedo hit on an enemy battleship. His was the only plane loaded with a torpedo which took part in this particular attack, this condition resulting in unusually heavy anti-aircraft fire being concentrated on him. His coolness, skill and aggressive, courageous actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.