Lieutenant
SOULE TRYON BITTING
U.S. Naval Reserve
Pilot
Composite Squadron VC-27
USS SAVO ISLAND (CVE 78)

NAVY CROSS

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

The President of the United States takes pride in
Presenting the NAVY CROSS to

SOULE TRYON BITTING, LIEUTENANT
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:

                "For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Pilot of a torpedo-bomber based on the Carrier, U.S.S. Savo Island, during her action against enemy forces at Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, 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."

                                                                            For the President,

                                                                            /s/ James Forrestal

                                                                            Secretary of the Navy