Thomas H. Binford

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas H. Binford, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Division FIFTY-EIGHT (DesDiv 58), in action against a greatly superior enemy Japanese naval force in the Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. Despite the heavy opposing fire of the enemy, Commander Binford, following a well-conceived plan, led his Division through a large, strongly escorted convoy, sank numerous enemy ships with torpedoes, damaged others with gun fire, and successfully retired his Division without major damage to his ship and with only one casualty to his personnel. The conduct of Commander Binford throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 303 (June 1942)