The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Eugene Raymond Helz, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Leader of a Landing Party from the submarine U.S.S. REDFIN (SS-272), while leading his party in action on enemy Japanese-held shores in efforts to rescue Australian agents to near Dent Have, Borneo, on 2 May 1944. A gallant and loyal officer, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Helz unhesitatingly volunteered to lead the landing party to the beach despite a terrific barrage of fire laid down by the enemy. With a member of the party under a bayonet attack, he fearlessly disregarded the enemy’s rifle fire in a valiant attempt to beat off the Japanese and, directing his own gunfire with deadly effect, succeeded in assisting the man to escape. When the hostile fire temporarily subsided, he contacted his own ship and prepared for evacuation and, by his inspiring leadership and cool courage, effected the retirement of the entire party without casualty after a perilous seven-hour period of repeated attacks by the enemy. By his dauntless perseverance, outstanding fortitude and gallant conduct in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Helz contributed to the saving of many men and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.