The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Hubert Boyd Harden (NSN: 0-749327), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Group Leader in Carrier Air Group ONE (AG-1), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Braving intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy Naval and shore batteries, Commander Harden pressed home a determined attack to score a direct bomb hit on the Japanese battleship ISE. In addition, he skillfully coordinated and led the attack of his group and contributed materially to its success in scoring multiple hits on the battleship and on a heavy cruiser, and in returning to its carrier without loss or damage. His courageous leadership and intrepid spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.