Stanhope Cotton Ring

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stanhope Cotton Ring, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Group Commander of Air Group EIGHT (AG-8), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. Commander Ring led his carrier air group against enemy cruisers and destroyers, coolly and methodically, in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire. Without regard for his own safety, he drove home a successful attack on the enemy carriers. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1942)