Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Torpedo Squadron 51 (VT-51), U.S.S. San Jacinto (CVL-30), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

Citation:
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Legare Romig Hole, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTY-ONE (VT-51), attached to the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in action against a large enemy Japanese Task Force in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. A skilled and daring pilot, Lieutenant Commander Hole led a five-plane raid in which a damaging hit was scored on a large enemy carrier. Later in the day, he alone pressed home another bold attack on the same vessel in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and with unswerving accuracy dealt the death blow which left an important Japanese carrier sinking. His resolute spirit, superb airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Hole and the United States Naval Service."

General Orders: Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0540 (December 21, 1944)