The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander James Henry Ashley, Jr. (NSN: 0-73627), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS-194), on the Eleventh War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 September 1944 to 7 November, in enemy controlled waters off Formosa, in the South China Sea. Through his daring, outstanding aggressiveness and tenacity, Commander Ashley launched well-planned and smartly executed attacks which resulted in the sinking of enemy ships totaling more than 12,000 tons, and in damaging enemy combatant vessels totaling over 27,500 tons. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Ashley brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander James Henry Ashley, Jr. (NSN: 0-73627), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 June 1945 to 13 August 1945, in enemy controlled waters. On 3 August 1945, disregarding the great dangers involved, Commander Ashley, with daring and heroic actions, took his submarine deep into hazardous waters in a gallant attempt to rescue a downed aviator. His submarine was attacked repeatedly by Japanese fighter planes and on two occasions barely missed destruction by bombs. After several persistent attempts, during which this submarine assisted in shooting down a Japanese plane, the rescue was effected. In addition, a 500-ton enemy vessel was sunk in a smartly executed torpedo attack and an additional downed aviator was rescued. Only the cool and skillful actions of Commander Ashley enabled him to avoid destruction and bring his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.