The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Sumner McDonald (NSN: 0-263988), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. He skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a torpedo attack against major units of a task force of the enemy Fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy battleship, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo causing a large explosion which seriously damaged the vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.