James E. Kyes

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James E. Kyes, 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. LEARY (DD-158), during action against a concentrated force of hostile submarines in the North Atlantic on the night of 23 December 1943. As Commander Kyes boldly maneuvered to close the range on four of the hostile pack, the enemy struck, mortally damaging the Leary with three torpedo hits and causing her to start sinking rapidly. After giving the order to abandon ship, Commander Kyes coolly and courageously made a personal inspection in order to assure himself that none of his men remained aboard. Preparing to abandon the stricken vessel and observing one of his crew whose lifejacket was torn and useless, Commander Kyes gallantly removed his own, gave it to the man and then calmly went over the side. Commander Kyes’ inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 325 (April 1944)