Thomas Oliver Murray

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Oliver Murray, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of Composite Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VC-21), based on the escort carrier, U.S.S. MARCUS ISLAND (CVE-77), in action against the enemy in the Battle of Samar Island, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Murray drove his attack to a dangerously close range, and with complete disregard for his own safety scored a direct torpedo hit on a heavy cruiser, leaving the ship dead in the water. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.