The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Borden Hess (NSN: 0-78786), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POMFRET (SS-391), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters, from 28 October to 11 December 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike at the enemy forces, Commander Hess launched a night surface torpedo attack against a powerful enemy force composed of three destroyers and two smaller anti-submarine vessels, sinking two destroyers totaling 2,600 tons and effectively dispersing the group. In a subsequent engagement, he pressed home two aggressive attacks on a heavily escort ed convoy and inflicted severe damage on two enemy freighters totaling 9,800 tons and, employing skillful evasive tactics, escaped damage from intense enemy counterattacks. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous missions reflect the highest credit upon Commander Hess and the United States Naval Service.