The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commodore [then Captain] Stanley John Michael (NSN: 0-56012), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), during operations against enemy Japanese forces from 29 August to 9 November 1944. Expertly conducting operations on board the CABOT while within striking distance of the main Japanese Battle Fleet and a powerful Japanese Carrier force, Commodore Michael brought to bear the full fighting strength of his ship and air groups to inflict severe damage on the enemy. While subjected to vicious attack by strong forces of enemy aircraft, he maintained maximum anti-aircraft fire to account for a large number of enemy aircraft shot down with negligible damage inflicted on ships of his Task Group. His courage and leadership during long periods of sustained action reflect the highest credit upon Commodore Michael, his gallant officers and men and 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 Commodore [then Captain] Stanley John Michael (NSN: 0-56012), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 25 November 1944. With his ship damaged by a near miss and a bomb explosion of the port side forward during an attack by intercepting Japanese aircraft, Commodore Michael immediately proceeded to direct personnel onboard in fighting the raging fires and in effecting emergency repairs to the gasoline system and flight deck and, by his untiring efforts and forceful leadership, succeeded in restoring the CABOT to combat status in record time. By his aggressive initiative, great personal valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, Commodore Michael contributed in large measure to the saving of a vitally needed aircraft carrier and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.