The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Grover Budd Hartley Hall (NSN: 0-56817), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 20 March 1945. When his ship was struck and set on fire during a sustained attack by enemy dive bombers, Captain Hall skillfully directed his repair crews in carrying out prompt and effective damage control and, despite raging fires, exploding ammunition and dense smoke which surrounded the bridge structure, continued to deliver maximum effective fire power against the hostile planes. By his leadership and devotion to duty he served as an inspiration to his officers and men and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.