Victor Svanda

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Victor Svanda, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), on 19 March 1945, while deployed over Kure, 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.