The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [the Lieutenant] Arthur Laurence Dowling, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Rescue Vessel U.S.S. Patrol Craft Escort EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE (PCE(R) 855), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the amphibious assault and capture of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from April to June 1945. Operating at an isolated and exposed station for a prolonged period of intensive combat, Lieutenant Commander Dowling repeatedly brought his ship alongside burning and sinking ships and, although frequently forced to fight off enemy air attack during rescue operations, valiantly directed the rescue of numerous survivors of these stricken ships. His inspiring leadership, intrepid spirit and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Dowling and the United States Naval Service.