The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commodore Harold Bruce Farncomb, Royal Australian Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in action as Commander, Royal Australian Squadron, during the capture of Lingayen Gulf and the landing on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 6 January to 9 January, 1945. During this period, in which HMAS AUSTRALIA was hit four times by enemy planes and HMAS ARUNA seriously damaged, Commodore Farncomb displayed a high degree of courage, determination and professional skill.