Harold L. Hiner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harold L. Hiner (0-8139), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Number Three Turret Officer aboard the U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47) during action against enemy Japanese forces off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Remaining at his post until his turret was put out of action by a hit on the face plate and the flooding of his handling room, Second Lieutenant Hiner, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, ordered his men out to safety while he stayed behind to perform valuable service by relaying orders from the damaged turret to Control and Central. His courageous initiative and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD (November 11, 1942)