The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Douglass Pollock Johnson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. FANSHAW BAY (CVE-70), 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, Captain Johnson skillfully maneuvered his ship to avoid crippling blows from an enemy force vastly superior in numbers, armor, firepower and speed, successfully brought the FANSHAW BAY through this history-making battle, thereby contributing essentially to the eventual rout of this powerful Japanese force. His leadership, professional skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.