Harold L. Dennison

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harold L. Dennison, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY-5 Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VP-34), in action against enemy Japanese forces while deployed in the Bismarck Sea during the period 16 January 1944 to 15 February 1944. On the nights of 16 and 22 January and 15 February, Lieutenant Dennison led his PBY Catalina against enemy ships in the Bismarck Sea and within the vicinity of strong enemy bases. He bombed an enemy destroyer under intense antiaircraft fire which caused severe damage to his aircraft. However, with his damaged aircraft, he returned to make repeated strafing attacks. Under hazardous weather conditions he carried out an attack against a large merchant vessel in a strongly defended convoy. Receiving heavy and constant enemy fire, he caused heavy damage to the merchant vessel. In another action he forced an enemy tanker to run aground. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.