The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Joe Wood Boulware, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Attack Section THREE, Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-SIX, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. Leading his section through intense and prolonged enemy gunfire in a night torpedo attack against the flank of an advancing column of hostile battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Captain Boulware placed the section in a tactically advantageous position to deliver a well executed attack and retired without damage to his units. This successful attack contributed in large measure to eliminating an imminent and dangerous threat to our transports and other ships in Leyte Gulf. Captain Boulware’s high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.