Richard Gustaf Altmann

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard Gustaf Altmann, Ensign, 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 THREE (VC-3), embarked from the U.S.S. KALININ BAY (CVE-68), and deployed over Samar in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. When his task force was in imminent danger of being destroyed by heavy gunfire from an overwhelming force of hostile warships, Ensign Altmann piloted one of the first planes launched, immediately maneuvering to attack the leading heavy cruiser. In bold defiance of the enemy’s devastating antiaircraft fire, he obtained a direct hit amidships causing an explosion. After firing he remaining ammunition, inflicting further damage to the enemy, he landed at an airfield, rearmed and returned to the battle, obtaining direct hits on a ship. He then continued to make repeated attacks, inflicting further damage and diverting antiaircraft fire from other planes that were attacking. Ensign Altmann’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 343 (October 1945)