The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Amos Townsend Hathaway, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HEERMANN (DD-532), during a strike against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet, in the Battle off Samar Island, on 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers attacked our small Task Unit of Escort Carriers, Commander Hathaway twice closed to four thousand yards of the hostile disposition to launch torpedo attacks on heavy ships of the enemy, holding his ship under a constant bombardment of gunfire and succeeded in scoring one confirmed hit on a battleship. Again maneuvering within short range, he skillfully brought his surface guns to bear on two heavy cruisers and greatly assisted in putting these ships out of action. By his courageous action he diverted enemy fire from our lightly armed carriers to his own ship, thereby materially aiding in their protection. His leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.