Leon Samuel Kintberger

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Leon Samuel Kintberger, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HOEL (DD-533), during action against enemy Japanese forces near Samar in the Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Commander Kintberger directed his ship in a surface engagement with a large task force of the Japanese Fleet, during the Battle of Samar Island in Philippine waters. The enemy force was immensely superior in number, firepower and armor, but Commander Kintberger twice brought his ship within four thousand yards of the enemy to launch torpedo attacks on their heavy ships, despite the fact that his ship was under constant fire. With an outstanding display of seamanship, he again maneuvered within short range to bring his surface guns to bear more effectively upon two heavy cruisers, and the many crippling hits he scored helped materially to put these ships out of action. By his actions he diverted enemy fire to himself from the lightly armored carriers he was protecting. By his skill in combat and his dauntless determination, he gave inspiration to his officers and men during a most critical situation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.