The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Chief Torpedoman’s Mate] David H. Boyd (NSN: 176792), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. DUNCAN (DD-485), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. After the Torpedo Officer was mortally wounded and director control lost after the launching of one torpedo, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd mounted the torpedo tube and, in spite of fire, succeeded in launching the remaining torpedoes, with one of which he succeeded in making a second positive hit in the side of the enemy cruiser. Shortly after this second torpedo hit, the enemy cruiser was observed to crumble in the middle and disappear. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.