Ray Joseph Stacy

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ray Joseph Stacy, 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 NINETEEN (VT-19), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during offensive air operations against enemy shipping on 5 November 1944, in Manila Bay on the Island of Luzon, of the Philippine Group. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stacy’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ray Joseph Stacy, 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 of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Participating in a vigorous strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stacy boldly plunged through continuous, intense antiaircraft fire to carry out his attack and, expertly maneuvering to release his torpedo at close range, succeeded in scoring a direct hit on an enemy heavy cruiser. By his superb airmanship, daring combat tactics and courage maintained in the face of tremendous opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Stacy contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the Japanese Fleet in this decisive battle, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 339 (June 1945)