James W. Darroch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James W. Darroch, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as member of a demolition party attached to the U.S.S. BRANT (ARS-32), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Assigned the extremely dangerous task of cutting through an enemy obstruction in order that the U.S.S. DALLAS could navigate up the Sebou River, Lieutenant Darroch and his crew, on the night of 9 November proceeded with grim determination toward their objective. Despite the treacherous surf, he and his shipmates skillfully and courageously accomplished their hazardous mission of cutting the cables at the mouth of the river, just as guns from the French fort opened fire. Countering the enemy’s attack until out of range, Lieutenant Darroch dauntlessly started back and, in spite of enormous breakers which battered his boat and washed one of his machine guns overboard, brought her and her courageous crew back to safety. His throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.