Arnold Ellsworth True

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Arnold Ellsworth TRUE, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HAMMANN (DD-412), during the rescue of survivors from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON in the battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. While still in danger of another attack by enemy planes and while the LEXINGTON was being shaken by violent explosions and was being gutted by raging fires, Commander True, in total disregard for his own safety, placed his ship alongside the LEXINGTON and took off a large number of survivors. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)