The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Philip Huston Torrey, Jr. (NSN: 0-73559), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Fighting Squadron during the attack on Marcus Island, 31 August 1943. He successfully directed his squadron in the accomplishment of extensive damage to the enemy shore installations and grounded airplanes in the face of enemy aircraft fire. His ability to organize and the leadership, judgment, and courage that he displayed contributed materially to the success of the attack. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of 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 Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Philip Huston Torrey, Jr. (NSN: 0-73559), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Fighter Squadron during a strike on enemy shipping at Rabaul, New Britain, on 11 November 1943. Lieutenant Commander Torrey and his fighter squadron provided such excellent protection for the bombing planes during the attack and subsequent retirement, that although they were under constant attack by enemy fighters, only one bomber was lost. In the action his squadron destroyed fourteen of the sixteen enemy planes which were shot down, he himself destroying one and severely damaging another. In a subsequent counter-attack by enemy aircraft the same day, his squadron destroyed forty-one of the attacking planes for a total of fifty-five Japanese planes during the two engagements. His outstanding leadership, excellent training progress, and courageous devotion to duty were largely responsible for the complete success of the missions and the severe damage dealt to the Japanese forces. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Philip Huston Torrey, Jr. (NSN: 0-73559), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Commander of a carrier based Air Group. He displayed conspicuous gallantry and skill during the aerial attacks in support of the assault and occupation of Roi-Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, during the period 29 January to 3 February 1944. He successfully led his group in many attacks, through extremely difficult and hazardous conditions, which inflicted severe damage to enemy installations. These attacks were carried out in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, repeated enemy fighter attacks, and dangerous flying weather. His courage and skill in these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.