The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Earl Leroy Sackett, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Submarine Tender U.S.S. CANOPUS (Air Service)-9), in action at Cavite Naval Yard in the Philippine Islands, and subsequently in the defense of Manila Bay, during the period 7 December 1942 through 9 April 1942. While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Commander Sackett directed the anti-aircraft batteries of his ship and conducted operations of strategic importance involving hazardous missions such as to bring great credit to his command and the United States Naval Service.