Rudolph Lloyd

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rudolph Lloyd, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron FIFTY-TWO (VP-52), in action against the enemy on 10 and 14 December 1943 in the Solomon Islands. On 10 December, despite adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant (j.g.) Lloyd led his crew in a dangerous night attack against a large enemy freighter in the Bismarck Archipelago. After dropping his bombs on target, he returned and made strafing attacks until the enemy ship sank. On 14 December he again, in the face of adverse and dangerous weather conditions, led his Bomber in a night attack against Japanese ships in Kavieng Harbor, during which a bombing run was made on what appeared to be a small enemy cruiser or large destroyer, during which two hits were observed on the Japanese ship. Returning o make a strafing run, Lieutenant (j.g.) Lloyd was forced by intense antiaircraft fire and enemy fighters to break off the attack and return to base. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.