The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Elonzo Bowden Grantham, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ROBINSON (DD-562), 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. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers was encountered advancing through the Strait in the darkness of the early morning hours, Commander Grantham daringly and with brilliant tactical ability launched his torpedoes with precise timing in a sudden, coordinated attack that surprised the enemy and rendered him vulnerable to the smashing blows of our heavy naval units. Subsequently retiring without damage from the furious engagement, which resulted in the sinking of two Japanese battleships and three destroyers before effective fire could be brought to bear against our task force, Commander Grantham contributed materially to the decisive defeat of the aggressive enemy force and contributed in large measure to eliminating an imminent and dangerous threat to our transports and other ships in Leyte Gulf. Commander Grantham’s high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.