The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (ChC) Thomas Michael Conway (NSN: 0-201102), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism from 30 July to 2 August 1945, while serving as Chaplain of U.S.S. Indianapolis (CA-35). Having completed a highly sensitive mission to deliver an atomic bomb to Tinian, Indianapolis was proceeding alone to the Philippines to rejoin the fleet when it was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine, forcing Lieutenant Conway and hundreds of his shipmates into the open ocean in the dead of night. Covered with oil from their stricken vessel, and without benefit of life rafts or provisions, they began a desperate struggle to survive. Completely disregarding his own well-being, Chaplain Conway continually swam between the clusters of adrift Sailors _ many of whom were severely injured, delirious, and dying _ to provide them encouragement and comfort, pray with and for them, and administer them sacraments. After three days of tireless exertion to aid his shipmates, he finally succumbed to exhaustion and his body was committed to the deep. His efforts were credited as a major reason 67 of the shipmates in his group were ultimately rescued. By his heroic actions and selfless devotion to duty, Lieutenant Conway reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.