Max Eugene Gregg

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Max Eugene Gregg, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (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) 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. Participating in a vigorous strike mission against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Gregg gallantly plunged through the enemy’s intense antiaircraft fire and scored a direct torpedo hit upon a hostile aircraft carrier, contributing materially to her subsequent sinking. Although seriously wounded by enemy fire, he expertly maneuvered his craft and returned her and his air crew safe to the carrier. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and daring tactics, Lieutenant Gregg was instrumental in achieving a victory over the Japanese forces during this battle. His dauntless fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty throughout a period of intense aerial activity reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.