Stephen Jurika, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Stephen Jurika, Jr., Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Navigator on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Under conditions that made the loss of the ship seem inevitable, when the FRANKLIN was struck by enemy bombs which caused tremendous fires and explosions among a large number of fully armed and fueled planes both on the flight deck and in the hangar, Commander Jurika with great calm and cool courage, continued to navigate the ship. The conduct of Commander Jurika throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)