The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John A. Crocker (NSN: 0-145324), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VC-76), attached to the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80). On 25 October 1944 he participated in the first strike of the day on the enemy Task Force off the Coast of Samar, Philippine Islands. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Crocker executed bold strafing attacks in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire in a desperate attempt to render aid to our own CVE’s which were being shelled by the Japanese ships. Although he knew that his .50 caliber guns could do little damage to the armor of the capital ships, he made his runs with courage and audacity. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.