John N. Ferguson, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John N. Ferguson, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer and Engineer Officer, respectively, of the Destroyer U.S.S. Dallas (DD-199), during the assault on Port Lyautey, French Morocco during the period 8 – 11 November 1942. While under fire of hostile artillery, Lieutenant Commander Ferguson coolly and efficiently navigated the DALLAS across a treacherous bar through heavy surf and mud into the shallow Sebou River where our Army raider troops, supported by gunfire from the ship, captured the Port Lyautey airfield. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 320 (November 1943)