The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain William Granat, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. COLORADO (BB-45), a Fire Support Ship, during the assault on the Japanese-held island of Tinian, on 24 July 1944. although his ship had been repeatedly struck by hostile gunfire, Captain Granat gallantly maintained his covering position for the maneuver and coolly took under fire and silenced the enemy shore battery which had damaged his vessel. His leadership and courage in the face of grave hazards reflect the highest credit upon Captain Granat and the United States Naval Service.