The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Millard Jefferson Klein (NSN: 0-70264), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BUCK (DD-420), during an attack on an enemy submarine while on convoy escort off the Island of Pantelleria in the Mediterranean Sea, on 3 August 1943. Contacting the hostile vessel which was preparing to attack the convoy, Lieutenant Commander Klein skillfully maneuvered for vigorous and aggressive action, depth charging the submarine and forcing her to the surface where the guns of the BUCK completed her destruction, resulting in the subsequent capture of prisoners. Lieutenant Commander Klein’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of this vital mission and reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.