Louis Philip Pressler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis Philip Pressler, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane and Commanding Officer of Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO (VPB-102), in action against enemy forces on Japanese-held Marcus Island on 9 May 1945. Flying through extremely hazardous weather to participate in a strike against this enemy stronghold, Lieutenant Commander Pressler succeeded in destroying three enemy planes that were preparing for takeoff, and then damaged the enemy air strip with a string of accurately-placed bombs along the length of the runway. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.