The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John David Howell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Plotting Room Officer on board the Light Cruiser U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. After most efficiently performing his duties in Plot during action, Lieutenant Howell left Plot of his own volition, when the ship broke off the action, and entered the Five-inch magazines. Here he organized working parties to shift five-inch ammunition from flooding magazines to dry ones, thereby saving many rounds of ammunition. He had all magazine doors securely dogged which prevented further flooding. As Plotting Room Officer Lieutenant Howell know the dangerous condition the ship was in, yet he did not hesitate to enter the danger area and do all in his power to save the ship, at the risk of his own life. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.