The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Caleb Barrett Laning, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HUTCHINS (DD-476), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet during the night Battle of Surigao Strait, in the Philippine Islands, on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. When the large enemy Task Force, consisting of battleships, cruisers and destroyers, was discovered coming through Surigao Strait, Captain Laning courageously took his ship into action. Skillfully maneuvering in the congested seaway while directing the firing of his gun and torpedo batteries, he scored numerous hits on the powerful enemy ships which, implementing the fire of our battleships and cruisers, resulted in the enemy’s eventual destruction. By his gallant fighting spirit, Captain Laning contributed materially to the great victory achieved by our forces in this historic night engagement and his fortitude and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.