The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Herbert Victor Wiley (NSN: 0-9127), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and outstanding conduct in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. WEST VIRGINIA (BB-48), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Surigao Strait in the Philippine Islands, on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. Captain Wiley directed his ship coolly and capably, and because of the previous high degree of training instilled in his officers and men, caused his ship to deliver rapid, prolonged and accurate gunfire into the enemy ships. By his outstanding performance of his duties he contributed in a large measure to the successful outcome of this significant action which resulted in the sinking of an estimated total of ten enemy combatant vessels. His conduct and excellent leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.