The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Coxswain Donnas Hank Boyd (NSN: 8454917), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Fleet Tug U.S.S. SONOMA (ATO-12), in remaining within a gasoline fire to release two men trapped inside a burning compartment of the SONOMA prior to its loss on 24 October 1944, in Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands. Though covered with burning gasoline, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Coxswain Donnas Hank Boyd courageously delayed in escape and exerted great presence of mind in remaining amidst the fires engulfing the midships section of the Sonoma to free two radiomen trapped inside the burning radio room, the door of which had been jammed by the several explosions that eventually caused the loss of the ship. Though suffering from extensive burns at the outset, his continued voluntary exposure augmented the seriousness of his injuries to a degree directly attributable to his death. The courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty displayed by Coxswain Boyd reflect great credit to the Naval Service.