The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Harold Clay Pound (NSN: 0-59604), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PILLSBURY (DD-227), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. During a night engagement in the Strait of Lombok, with his ship illuminated by an overwhelming force of enemy destroyers and cruisers, Lieutenant Commander Pound skillfully maneuvered his ship to counter the enemy’s cross-fire with the most effective use of his own batteries. His daring and courageous tactics in moving to the assistance of an accompanying vessel were instrumental in saving that ship and contributed materially to the serious damage on the enemy by our forces. By his expert seamanship and loyal devotion to duty he was able to retire without damage or loss to his ship or her personnel. Lieutenant Commander Pound’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.