For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Pilot of an airplane in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15) embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly pressing home his attack to low altitude in the face of accurate and intense antiaircraft fire from the formidable enemy disposition, Ensign Prendergast succeeded in scoring one of eight direct hits upon a Japanese aircraft carrier of Chitose class. Undaunted in the face of relentless, devastating antiaircraft fire, he rendered gallant service during the bitterly fought engagement in which all carriers, a light cruiser and a destroyer of the enemy’s task force were sunk and heavy bomb and torpedo damage inflicted on battleships and other important naval units. By his daring airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty through a perilous assignment, Ensign Prendergast contributed materially to the sinking of this valuable enemy fighting unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.