Thomas Peet J. Johnston

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Peet J. Johnston, Boatswain’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Johnston remained at his battle station during heavy fighting for five hours, although he was bleeding profusely from severe lacerations to the head. The conduct of Boatswain’s Mate First Class Johnston 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. 315 (June 1943)