Royce P. Lodholz

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Royce P. Lodholz, 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 SEVENTY-SIX (VC-76), embarked from the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), and deployed over Samar in the Philippine Islands, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Ensign Lodholz boldly attacked a large task force of the Japanese Imperial Navy in a strike made without the aid of surface craft and in the face of an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire and with the knowledge that his fuel supply was insufficient to carry him safely back to base. He drove home his attack with such grim determination and utter disregard for his personal safety that it resulted in severe damage upon capital ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy, and materially contributed to the retreat of the enemy fleet. Ensign Lodholz’ 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. 340 (July 1945)