Charles Hall Houston Dickey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles Hall Houston Dickey, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Section Leader in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Gallantly leading his section in a coordinated bomber and torpedo attack against a heavily-defended enemy Task Force, Lieutenant Dickey pressed home his attack through withering anti-aircraft fire, accurately releasing his torpedo and scoring a hit upon a 50,000-ton battleship of the YAMATO Class. By his superb leadership and daring tactics, he contributed essentially to the success of his squadron in seriously damaging a major unit of the Japanese Fleet, and his resolute courage and inspiring devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Dickey and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 032