The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jack (Lucille) Orrien Polk (NSN: 0-146557), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Venture Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of the Mili Airdrome on 17 December 1943. Single-handedly pressing home an aggressive attack on three enemy transports in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Commander Polk handled his plane with outstanding skill and daring and, by his bold and effective tactics, succeeded in sinking two Japanese ships and in leaving a third dead in the water. His expert airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lucille Orrien Polk changed his name to Jack Orrien Polk in December 1943)