Francis W. Scanland, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Francis W. Scanland, Jr., Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. ASTORIA (CA-34), in action against the enemy from 10 December 1941 through 10 June 1942, in the Pacific War Area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.