The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rudolph Belvin Hood (NSN: 0-321275), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Flying through intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire from numerous enemy warships and strategically-located shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hood pressed home a determined bombing attack on a heavy cruiser and scored a direct hit causing serious damage to the enemy warship. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hood’s gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.