Elvin Lester Lindsay

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Elvin Lester Lindsay, Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) embarked from 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. Skillfully directing his escort group on a strike against major enemy surface units, Lieutenant Commander Lindsay boldly dived through the intense barrage of hostile antiaircraft fire and expertly maneuvered his plane to deliver a bombing and strafing attack upon a Japanese aircraft carrier, leaving her burning and in a sinking condition. During the ensuing action, he valiantly led his fighters through antiaircraft fire to deliver’ a strafing raid upon a light cruiser. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Commander Lindsay contributed materially to the infliction of overwhelming damage upon the Japanese Fleet during this Battle. Commander Lindsay’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.