ENSIGN WARREN J. KRUCK, United States Naval Reserve. For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while flying a plane based on the U.S.S. Kadashan Bay, in an unsupported torpedo attack, on an enemy battleship in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. When our escort carrier group was threatened with annihilation by a greatly superior enemy force, he skillfully and resolutely made a torpedo attack on an enemy battleship. He displayed an utter disregard for his own safety and was without assistance from other aircraft. Although the concentrated fire of the enemy force seriously damaged his plane, he persisted in his run and scored a hit. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Mr. Kruck joined the Legion of Valor in 2004 and resided in Iowa.