Thomas Byrd Van Brunt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Byrd Van Brunt, 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 Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), embarked from the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during action against major Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying without assistance from other aircraft, Lieutenant Van Brunt pressed home two daring attacks against an enemy Task Group, dropping three depth bombs alongside a heavy cruiser and scoring a direct hit on a hostile battleship. Lieutenant Van Brunt’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.