Herbert Daniel Crowley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Herbert Daniel Crowley, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VT-21), embarked from the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands on 19 and 25 October 1944. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire to press home an attack on enemy shipping in Manila Harbor on 19 October, Lieutenant Crowley aided in the damaging of a large tanker and a cargo ship. Flying in low over his target in the face of fierce opposition during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October, he dropped his torpedo at close range to score a direct and damaging hit on an aircraft carrier. By his outstanding ability as an airman, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Crowley contributed to the infliction of costly damage upon the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0582 (December 22, 1944)