The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Ralph Marion Metcalf (NSN: 0-74893), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POGY (SS-266), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 November 1943 to 22 December 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Palau Islands. Alert and aggressive as he navigated dangerous seas in search of Japanese shipping, Commander Metcalf contacted a convoy of two vessels and one destroyer and, pressing home three boldly executed attacks against the enemy craft, succeeded in sinking the two freighters totaling 13,800 tons and in evading the escorting ship’s countermeasures. Later in the same patrol, he maneuvered into a favorable position and fired his torpedoes into an escorted transport containing Japanese troops, sinking this vital enemy vessel and withdrawing before the protecting craft could bear down upon him. His skilled tactics, fearless leadership, courageous conduct and gallant devotion to duty during a daring undersea offensive inspired the officers and men of his submarine and reflect great credit upon Commander Metcalf, his intrepid command and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Ralph Marion Metcalf (NSN: 0-74893), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POGY (SS-266), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 February 1944 to 8 March 1944, in enemy controlled waters off Formosa. Skillfully maneuvering his ship to penetrate strong hostile escort screens, Commander Metcalf delivered smashing torpedo attacks against enemy shipping in the face of severe enemy counter attacks to sink four enemy ships totaling more than 22,400 tons, including one Mutsuki class destroyer, and to inflict severe damage on three additional hostile vessels totaling more than 20,000 tons. Despite a severe enemy opposition he courageously and expertly directed his vessel in and succeeded in bringing her to port undamaged. Commander Metcalf’s leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.