Vern S. Hartgraves

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Vern S. Hartgraves, Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving a Member of the Crew of a Navy Patrol Bomber in a Patrol-Bombing Squadron, in action on 9 May 1945, against enemy forces on Japanese-held Marcus Island. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.