John Cheshire Daniel

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Cheshire Daniel, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Tactical Command of Destroyer Squadron FORTY-FIVE (Desron 45), a Radar Picket Station Unit, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 16 May to 21 June 1945. With his unit under frequent and determined Japanese suicide attack, Captain Daniel handled his surface units and the planes of the combat air patrol assigned his command with superb skill and determination and, by his decisive actions and aggressive fighting spirit, was instrumental in the destruction of forty enemy aircraft. His leadership, professional skill and vigilant devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of this vital operation, and his gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Destroyers Pacific, Serial 04313 (December 24, 1945)