Robert Donald Cosgrove

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Donald Cosgrove, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15, embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Skillfully leading his division into the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Cosgrove pressed home a close-range attack to obtain a torpedo hit on a hostile battleship. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0451 (December 17, 1944)