The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Joseph Nathaniel Murphy, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. After his ship was hit with a bomb from an enemy aircraft and was blazing furiously and rocked by explosions, Commander Murphy gallantly remained aboard for a period of seven hazardous hours. He directed heroic efforts toward saving the PRINCETON, despite the terrific damage, and personally led fire-fighting parties into areas of great danger. The conduct of Commander Murphy throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.