The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John G. Kendall, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LCL (L), TWO-HUNDRE TWELVE (LCL(L)-212), during an enemy air raid on the Harbor of Palermo, Sicily, on 1 August 1943. When hostile bombs straddled his ship and set fire to gasoline drums stored on the dock and to ammunition loaded on a nearby merchant vessel, Lieutenant Kendall immediately recognized the imminent threat to his own craft and three others moored alongside and, directing the cutting of all lines to the blazing dock, successfully got underway with the four ships. Supervising the operations with cool efficiency, he skillfully maneuvered the group to a position of safety, thereby saving all vessels from possible loss. The conduct of Lieutenant Kendall throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.