Captain
FRANCIS JOSEPH McKENNA
U.S. Navy
Commanding Officer
USS SAINT LO (CVE 63)

NAVY CROSS

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

The President of the United States takes pride in
Presenting the NAVY CROSS to

FRANCIS JOSEPH McKENNA, CAPTAIN
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:

                "For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during operations against major elements of the Japanese Fleet near Samar Island in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944.  With a superb display of seamanship, Captain McKenna maneuvered his ship to avoid crippling blows from the constant gunfire of a rapidly advancing enemy, superior in numbers, armor, firepower and speed.  Having survived this crucial ordeal, his ship shortly afterwards was hit and destroyed by the determined attack of an enemy airplane.  Captain McKenna was the last man to leave his doomed ship, and his extraordinary courage and magnificent fighting spirit will live forever in the minds of the officers and men who served with him that day.  His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."

                                                                            For the President,

                                                                            /s/ James Forrestal

                                                                            Secretary of the Navy

Source:  Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 339 (June 1945)