Victor B. Mccrea

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Victor B. McCrea, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HOE (SS-258), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 January 1944 to 5 March 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. During this aggressive patrol against enemy shipping between Mindanao and Halmahera, Commander McCrea made repeated night surface attacks against two escorted enemy convoys and succeeded in sinking a large loaded tanker and three freighters and in damaging a larger tanker. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander McCrea brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 329 (August 1944)