Douglas Halling West

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Douglas Halling West, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, 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 FIFTY-ONE (VT-51), embarked from the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in action against the enemy on 25 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.