Claude Clarence Nathan, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Claude Clarence Nathan, Jr., Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), embarked from the U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Leyte, Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.