David H. Boyd

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to David H. Boyd, Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Chief Torpedoman’s Mate], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. DUNCAN (DD-485), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. When the torpedo officer was mortally wounded and director control was lost after the firing of one torpedo, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, unhesitatingly mounted the tube and launched the remaining torpedoes. Scoring a direct hit in the side of a Japanese cruiser which had been damaged earlier in the engagement, he finished off the enemy vessel with a crumbling blast amidships that quickly sent it under. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd 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. 316 (July 1943)