The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Elliott Eugene Marshall, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CUTTLEFISH (SS-171), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 July 1942 to 20 September 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Solomon Islands. Fearlessly availing himself of every attack opportunity during the hazardous days spent in an assigned area in the immediate vicinity of the enemy coast line, Lieutenant Commander Marshall and his command succeeded in sinking 29,600 tons of enemy shipping and in severely destroying a Japanese destroyer of 1,500 tons. Although subjected to vigorous anti-submarine measures following every attack and under terrific pressure and mental strain after a period totaling fifty-nine days on war patrol, Lieutenant Commander Marshall brought his ship through with only minor damage and his crew home with fighting spirit undiminished.