Paul Henrik Bjarnason

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Paul Henrik Bjarnason, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HENRY A. WILEY (DD-749), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 4 and 5 May 1945. With his ship under numerous concentrated and determined attacks by hostile aircraft and Baka bombs, Commander Bjarnason gallantly fought his vessel and directed a skillfully coordinated offensive gunfire to destroy four enemy planes and two Baka bombs. His valiant leadership, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Bjarnason and the United States Naval Service.