Jerry Forest Daniels, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jerry Forest Daniels, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession, while serving as Officer in Charge of a Fire Fighting Party on board the U.S.S. SUWANEE (CVE-27), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 26 October 1944. Although wounded by shrapnel and burned about the head and face when his ship was damaged by fire from air attack twice in succession, Lieutenant Commander Daniels promptly made his way from the bridge to the flight deck and, after organizing a fire fighting party, supervised the group in bringing a severe fire on the forward part of the flight deck under control despite burning and exploding planes. When all senior officers had been killed or wounded, he assumed the duties of Executive Officer and expertly carried out his self-assigned task. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Daniels and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0886 (March 16, 1945)