The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Meade Haines, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Force Commander, Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN, for aggressive and successful conduct of a Marine-Submarine Raider Expedition from 8 August 1942. As Force Commander of naval units, Commander Haines’ displayed great skill and courage in carrying out an untried and hazardous mission. Although harassed by enemy aircraft and maneuvering his vessels in immediate proximity to an enemy-controlled coast, he succeeded in effecting an undetected landing of Marines against an alert enemy and later effected a highly successful withdrawal. He also directed the ships in his command to fire on two enemy ships in the lagoon, which were sunk by gunfire. His courage and skill in the handling of the vessels of his command on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.