The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Jasper Newton McDonald (NSN: 0-77040), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BENNETT (DD-473), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, from 1 to 7 April 1945. With his ship assigned as a fighter director vessel on a radar picket station in advance of the main body of our Fleet, Commander McDonald skillfully maneuvered his vessel during repeated attacks by enemy suicide planes. In a savage air-sea battle against large numbers of hostile aircraft on 6 and 7 April, he gallantly fought his ship in the face of tremendous odds and, breaking up innumerable attacks, inflicted severe losses on the enemy. After a suicide plane struck his vessel, causing severe damage and heavy casualties, Commander McDonald rallied his men to the immense task of controlling damage and bringing the ship back to port. His inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.