The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Thomas Henry Hederman, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Destroyer Squadron SIXTY-ONE (DesRon 61), and Screen Commander in Task Group FIFTY EIGHT POINT ONE (TG-58.1), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kyushu Area of the Japanese homeland and in support of the amphibious invasion of Okinawa, from 22 March to 19 May 1945. Displaying brilliant seamanship, Captain Hederman maneuvered the destroyer screen during numerous hostile air attacks and, by expert handling which enabled the ships under his command top shoot down many enemy planes, provided effective protection for the Task Group. In a bombardment of Minami on 21 April, he directed his ships in delivering well-placed shellfire which started large fires and destroyed enemy installations. His outstanding leadership and gallant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.