Joseph Gilbert Hjelstrom

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph Gilbert Hjelstrom, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting-Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VFB-85), embarked from the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), on 28 July 1945, while deployed over Kure Harbor, Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.