The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Royce Lawrence Gross (NSN: 0-63352), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAWOLF (SS-197), on the TWELFTH War Patrol of that submarine on the night of 10 and 11 January 1944, in enemy controlled waters in the East China Sea. After contacting a heavily-escorted convoy, Captain Gross fearlessly penetrated the formidable enemy screen and launched a series of brilliantly executed attacks to sink or extensively damage six of the seven hostile ships. While en route home, with only three torpedoes remaining aboard, he intercepted another closely-guarded convoy, pressed home the attack and exploded a gasoline-laden freighter. Then, by a masterful performance in the use of his deck gun, he forced the other enemy ship into attack position for a friendly submarine. Constantly alert and aggressive throughout this patrol, Captain Gross and his valiant fighting ship accounted for 38,000 tons of Japanese shipping and skillfully evaded severe enemy countermeasures. His inspiring conduct and the outstanding performance of duty of his courageous officers and men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.