The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Albert Thomas Harris (NSN: 0-102781), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, on 12 and 13 November 1942. Concentrating deadly and accurate fire on an approaching Japanese torpedo plane, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Harris, grimly determined to bring down the attacking foe, held on until the hostile craft plunged out of the sky in a flaming dive and crashed on his station. His courageous perseverance in the face of certain death was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.