Raymond Lorainne Hogden

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Raymond Lorainne Hogden, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VC-75), embarked from the U.S.S. OMMANEY BAY (CVE-79), Bay, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Leading his group in an attack against a heavy enemy cruiser, Lieutenant Hogden braved an intense barrage in order to divert hostile fire from his own Task Unit. Following up with a torpedo attack in the face of fire from Japanese capital ships and destroyers, he scored a hit and sank an enemy heavy cruiser. His skill and devotion to duty were contributing factors in the successful invasion of the Philippine Islands and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.