The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Army Award) to Chief Machinist’s Mate Morris W. Hancock (NSN: 2912571), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Chief Machinist’s Mate Hancock performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.