The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Conner Atkeson (NSN: 0-61325), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BAILEY (DD-492) during action against enemy forces off Kamandorski Islands on 26 March 1943. His courageous and skillful handling of his ship in the three and a half hours of that engagement in screening with smoke, in use of his guns, and in dodging enemy shells was climaxed with a bold and successful torpedo attack. Lieutenant Commander Atkeson in the BAILEY, flagship of the Squadron Commander, was in the van as the destroyers moved in against apparently insuperable opposition. Although his ship was hit, it was not stopped, and closed to less than ten thousand yards before firing torpedoes, one of which hit an enemy cruiser. As he withdrew his ship received further hits but he localized damage and soon rejoined his own forces. The action of the BAILEY was an important factor in bringing about our success over an enemy twice as strong. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Atkeson was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.