The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Michael Bowers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POGY (SS-266), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 2 July 1945 to 21 August 1945, in enemy controlled waters. Aggressively attacking the enemy at every opportunity, the Commanding Officer delivered a series of torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of over 22,000 tons of enemy shipping. He skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.