Jack Harlan Duncan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jack Harlan Duncan, Rear Admiral [then Captain], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. PHOENIX (CL-46), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet during the battle of Surigao Strait, Philippine Islands, from 24 to 25 October 1944. With the United States cruiser units deployed in a flanking maneuver as our destroyers initiated a series of deadly torpedo attacks against a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers advancing toward our forces, Rear Admiral Duncan skillfully maneuvered his vessel into striking position on the enemy’s right flank and, directing his powerful gun batteries with precise timing in a sudden, smashing bombardment attack, aided in routing the Japanese and in sinking two Japanese battleships and three destroyers. Maintaining a high standard of fighting efficiency throughout the furious engagement, Rear Admiral Duncan had rendered invaluable assistance in destroying vital enemy surface units and in retiring from the action before effective return fire could be brought to bear against our Task Force. By his fearless leadership, brilliant professional ability and unwavering devotion to duty in actual combat against the enemy, he contributed substantially to the decisive defeat of a hostile force which had threatened interference with our occupation of Leyte. His courageous conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Duncan, his gallant ship’s company and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0630 (February 8, 1945)