The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Randolph Burton Boyer, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MORRIS (DD-417), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. After enemy bombs and torpedoes had seriously damaged the task force carrier resulting in raging fires and a dangerous list on that vessel, Lieutenant Commander Boyer skillfully brought his ship alongside in a most seamanlike manner to assist in fighting fires on board with every means at his command. Although driven away by further enemy air attacks, he repeatedly returned to the side of the stricken carrier to continue rendering effective assistance. Later he maneuvered in the vicinity of the ship to evacuate and rescue survivors. His gallantry and intrepidity in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.