The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Robert James Hardy (NSN: 0-73486), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HALFORD (DD-480), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. With United States destroyer units deployed in a flanking maneuver as tactically disposed PT boats opened fire on a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers advancing under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, Commander Hardy skillfully placed the HALFORD in an advantageous striking position despite extremely hazardous conditions and, launching his deadly torpedoes with precise timing in a sudden, coordinated attack, surprised the enemy and rendered him vulnerable to the smashing blows of our heavy naval units. Subsequently retiring without damage from the furious engagement which resulted in the sinking of two Japanese battleships and three destroyers before effective return fire could be brought to bear upon our Task Force, Commander Hardy, by his forceful leadership, brilliant professional ability and indomitable determination in the face of tremendous odds, contributed materially to the decisive defeat of the aggressive enemy force and his undaunted courage and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself, his gallant ship’s company and the United States Naval Service.