The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Albert Edmondson Jarrell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of a Destroyer Squadron and of the screen of detached groups which served as Gunfire and Covering Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from March to may 1945. Alert to constant danger of enemy aerial attack and aggressively maintaining the officers and men of his command at the highest peak of efficiency during prolonged and hazardous Naval operations, Captain Jarrell skillfully directed the ships of his command in bringing effective gunfire to bear upon hostile aggressors of this area. Instantly assuming command of rescue and salvage operations when two destroyers were severely damaged in the intense aerial attack of 6 April 1945, he contributed to the saving of many lives and to the safe return of both crippled vessels. His unfaltering decision, cool judgment and resolute fortitude in the face of continual peril reflect the highest credit upon Captain Jarrell and the United States Naval Service.