The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Paul Laverne High, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BRYANT (DD-665), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Surigao Strait, on 25 October 1944. Participating in a night torpedo attack against an advancing column of enemy battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Captain High directed his ship through intense and prolonged enemy gunfire to launch a well-executed attack and succeeded in retiring without damage to his vessel. By his leadership and courage, he contributed to the decisive defeat of the hostile force and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.