Vermon J. Sistrunk

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Vermon J. Sistrunk, 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 EIGHTEEN (VT-18), embarked from the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.