The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Thomas Greenhow Williams Settle (NSN: 0-34589), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. By cool and capable direction Captain Settle caused his ship to deliver effective gunfire. When ordered to pursue the enemy he did so with skill and courage and assisted in the destruction of fleeing enemy units. He thereby materially assisted in the overwhelming victory gained against the enemy on that occasion. Captain Settle’s high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.