The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Raymond Dennis Fusselman, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. WADSWORTH (DD-516), in action against enemy Japanese forces while assigned to Radar Picket Duty off Okinawa from 19 April to 28 May 1945. When his ship was attacked by enemy planes on nineteen occasions, Commander Fusselman directed the deliver of accurate gunfire which resulted in the destruction of seven enemy aircraft and aided in shooting down six others while the Combat Air Patrol under his command accounted for twenty-one additional planes. Although the WADSWORTH suffered minor damages and one personnel casualty from the near-miss of a suicide plane, he continued to fight his ship skillfully during this action and contributed materially to our success in this strategic area. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.