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.