The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Raymond Wilbur Johnson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HERRING (SS-233), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 October 1942 to 25 November 1942, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. After contacting and tenaciously pursuing a convoy heavily defended by air and surface escorts, Captain Johnson penetrated the destroyer screens and launched two brilliant attacks, sinking a valuable large transport and damaging a freighter. He then intercepted another strongly-guarded convoy and pressed home his torpedo attacks to demolish several more enemy ships, including a destroyer. By his courage, determination and superb skill, Captain Johnson succeeded in sinking or extensively damaging over 37,000 tons of hostile shipping and successfully evaded the severe enemy countermeasures. His inspiring conduct and the valiant performance of duty of his officers and men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.