The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Howell Drescher Chickering, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LCS FIFTY-ONE (LCS(L)-51), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the amphibious assault on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 16 April 1945. With his ship operating as a member of the group under violent attacks by enemy suicide planes, Lieutenant Chickering continued to deliver an accurate and intense barrage from his guns and succeeded in shooting down six hostile aircraft. Later, he brought his own damaged ship alongside a disabled and burning destroyer and assisted in extinguishing the fires and in transferring wounded personnel. His inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Chickering and the United States Naval Service.