The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Boatswain Howard H. Branyon, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving Commander of Patrol Ship YP-239, in the waters between Tulagi and Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, during the period from 1 September 1942 to 2 November 1942. Chief Boatswain Branyon was in command of a small auxiliary naval craft used in transporting essential men and supplies. His craft averaged at least one trip a day, many of the trips having been made under heavy enemy fire, and at night, under the most trying circumstances. In spite of the obstacles and great danger present, Chief Boatswain Branyon carried out his missions with extreme courage and skill, setting an example to his command. His unflinching leadership resulted in an uninterrupted flow of reinforcements and supplies without which the ground troops would have been greatly hampered. The conduct of Chief Boatswain Branyon throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.