The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Max Clifford Stormes (NSN: 0-58629), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PRESTON (DD-379), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. Although his ship was repeatedly hit by numerically superior Japanese forces, Commander Stormes and his valiant crew maintained a continual and devastating fire against the enemy vessels, inflicting serious damage. His inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.