Thomas Francis Conley, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Francis Conley, Jr., Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Attack Section TWO, Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-SIX (DesRon 56), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Surigao Strait, on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. Leading his section through intense and prolonged enemy gunfire in a night torpedo attack against the flank of an advancing column of hostile battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Captain Conley placed the section in a tactically advantageous position to deliver a well-executed attack and retired without damage to his units. By his leadership and courage, he contributed directly to the decisive defeat of the enemy forces and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0647 (February 9, 1945)