The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Austin Kelvin Doyle, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 29 August to 30 October 1944. Under heavy enemy aerial attack while operating close to Japanese shores on 13 and 14 October, Rear Admiral Doyle maintained his ship at full fighting strength which resulted in a number of enemy aircraft being shot down by anti-aircraft fire with no damage to the HORNET. During operations against the Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 and 26 October, he again handled his ship in such an outstanding manner that the full strength of his Air Group was brought to bear against the enemy resulting in heavy damage to and the sinking of capital ships of the Japanese Fleet. By his courage and leadership he contributed directly to the success of our forces in this area and his devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Austin Kelvin Doyle, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area, from 10 February to 19 May 1945. A bold and inspiring leader, Rear Admiral Doyle directed his ship and attached air group in a series of aggressive operations against the enemy in which 297 hostile planes were shot down and destroyed, important units of the Japanese Fleet damaged, and shore installations and enemy shipping damaged or destroyed. Although the HORNET was subjected to numerous air attacks during this period, he skillfully maneuvered to bring all guns to bear and repulse the enemy planes, of which several were shot down by his ship’s anti-aircraft batteries. By his outstanding professional skill, Rear Admiral Doyle maintained the fighting strength of his ship at a peak of efficiency, and his gallant fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.