James T. Hildebrand, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James T. Hildebrand, Jr., Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron FORTY (VP-40), Patrol Wing FOUR, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, during the period 1 through 15 June 1942. Ensign Hildebrand made daring, repeated dive-bombing and strafing attacks on Japanese ships and four-motored patrol planes, constantly seeking out and engaging the enemy, despite the hazards of severe weather conditions and fire from antiaircraft and shore batteries, thereby inspiring other members of his squadron to supreme efforts. He participated in all-night patrols and bombing attacks on enemy Japanese ships in Kiska harbor and succeeded in scoring a hit on an enemy transport, all the while defying continuous and heavy antiaircraft fire. Ensign Hildebrand’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.