The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Alexander Rieman Early, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. CANBERRA (CA-70), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Formosa, on 13 and 16 October 1944. When his cruiser was torpedoed in an enemy air attack on the evening of 13 October, Captain Early continued to fight his ship against the hostile aircraft while directing damage control measures and supervising the ship’s being taken in tow by another cruiser. Again, three days later, Captain Early inspired his officers and men to fight through another air attack, to bring their ship finally to safety. By his expert seamanship, determination and indomitable courage, Captain Early contributed directly to the preservation of a valuable combat vessel, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.