Captain (Then Lieutenant Commnder) Thomas Oliver Murray, for distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commander of Composit Squadron Twenty One, based on the escocarrier, USS Marcus Island, in her action against the enemy in the Battle of Samar Island, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Murray drove his attack to a dangerously close range, and with complete disregard for his own safety scored a direct torpedo hit on a heavy cruiser, leaving the ship dead in the water. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

CPT. Murray joined the Legion of Valor in 1946.