Thomas Browning Inglis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Browning Inglis, 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. BIRMINGHAM (CL-62), while participating in the salvage and rescue operations of the U.S.S. PRINCETON in the face of enemy attack during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Captain Inglis skillfully placed his vessel alongside the burning aircraft carrier PRINCETON and, if his ship had not been forced to leave the carrier’s side to repel an air attack, the carrier would have been brought under control. During the second determined attempt to furnish aid to the carrier, heavy casualties were inflicted upon personnel of the cruiser by a tremendous explosion in the PRINCETON. Because of his courageous and determined bearing and his calm and efficient handling of a difficult situation, Captain Inglis inspired his officers and men to heroic and tireless efforts to save the carrier in the face of extremely grave danger. The conduct of Captain Inglis throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 339 (June 1945)