The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Francis Joseph Foley, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. GAINARD (DD-706), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Okinawa, from 20 April to 30 June 1945. When the GAINARD was subjected to numerous attacks by enemy suicide planes, Commander Foley directed his ship in shooting down four hostile planes and further assisted in the destruction of one and repelled twenty other aircraft without sustaining damage to either personnel or material aboard his vessel. In addition, he directed the combat air patrol under his command in shooting down twenty-two enemy planes. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.