Frederick Edward Bakutis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frederick Edward Bakutis (0-75028), Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Commander Bakutis led a small search attack group whose objective was to locate and attack an enemy task force. He located this force and reported its location to his base. The force consisted of two battleships, one heavy cruiser, and four destroyers and the attack he led was so skillfully executed that two of the battleships and one cruiser were damaged. The attack was made in the face of gunfire from the main batteries of the enemy force, and intense anti-aircraft fire. Commander Bakutis personally scored direct hits with his rockets on a battleship. His courage, aggressiveness, inspiring leadership and complete disregard for his own personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0793 (January 9, 1945)