The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Joseph Lester Kane, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), during action against enemy Japanese forces near the Island of Leyte, Central Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf from 18 to 29 October 1944. As commanding officer of an escort carrier, Captain Kane furnished air support to amphibious attack groups landing on enemy-held shores. While his ship was under repeated air attacks he maneuvered it skillfully, directing its air groups effectively against an enemy fleet. His actions contributed directly to turning away the Japanese forces from the battle. The exemplary conduct of Captain Kane on this occasion gave great encouragement to the personnel of his ship and its attached squadrons, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.