Thomas Murray Leake

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Murray Leake, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.