Soule Tryon Bitting

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Soule Tryon Bitting, 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 TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), embarked from the U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Leyte, Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Bitting led his torpedo division through heavy intense anti-aircraft fire, to register two torpedo hits on an enemy Cruiser. His perfect timing and execution caused much damage to the enemy, thereby preventing serious harm to his own forces. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0762 (February 18, 1945)