The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Leslie DeTar, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 January 1942 to 21 March 1942, off the coast of Kyushu in Japanese home waters. With bravery and determination Lieutenant Commander DeTar led his ship against the enemy in the enemy’s own waters, and, in the face of strong Japanese surface patrols, sank one enemy freighter of about 6,000 tons, damaged and probably sunk one enemy destroyer, and damaged two other ships of undetermined type of about 2,000 tons each. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander DeTar brought his ship safely back to port without material or personal losses. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.