The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Bruce Lawrence Harwood (NSN: 0-75196), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Campaign on 24 August 1942. Leading his squadron in an unsupported aerial torpedo raid against a Japanese task force, Lieutenant Harwood pressed home his attack through a bursting hail of fire from hostile anti-aircraft batteries. He contributed to the relentless fighting spirit and aggressive courage which enabled his squadron to score one certain hit and two estimated hits on an enemy aircraft carrier. His superb airmanship and unyielding devotion to duty aided greatly in the defeat of a persistent foe and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Bruce Lawrence Harwood (NSN: 0-75196), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Air Officer on board the U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), when that vessel was attacked and sunk by enemy Japanese aircraft off the east coast of Luzon during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea on 24 October 1944. Immediately after a hostile dive bomber penetrated our screen and scored a direct hit on his carrier, starting raging fires and a series of violent explosions and killing or wounding many members of the crew, Commander Harwood courageously remained at his post on the port side of the bridge structure to direct fire-fighting measures despite the resulting confusion and danger of further imminent detonations. Then, on his own initiative, he fearlessly entered the hangar deck in the face of intense flames rapidly spreading to a torpedo and bomb stowage to determine the extent of damage and control the fires. Working diligently throughout the day, he always penetrated the most hazardous areas ahead of the others and, when a number of his men were overcome by heat or exhaustion during the operations, personally removed them to a place of safety. Determined to save the stricken ship, he was valiantly carrying on his tireless efforts when a bomb stowage aft of the hanger exploded, taking his life. His inspiring leadership, outstanding fortitude and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds reflect the highest credit upon Commander Harwood and the United States Naval Service.