Rear Admiral
RALPH ANDREW OFSTIE
Commander Task Unit 77.4.32
NAVY CROSS
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington
The President of the United States takes pride in
Presenting the NAVY CROSS to
RALPH ANDREW OFSTIE, REAR ADMIRAL
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Carrier Division Commander, Task Unit 77.4.32, in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet off Samar Island in the Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. In an engagement unique in naval history, Rear Admiral Ofstie's small task unit of escort carriers and screening ships, of which, as an Escort Carrier Division Commander, he was second in command, turned back a vastly superior enemy force sorely crippled by our guns, torpedoes and aircraft. His sound judgment and timely advice were of inestimable value. By his superb courage and unfailing determination against terrific odds, he was an inspiration to the officers and men of his unit. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."
For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy