The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Victor A. Bloom (NSN: 2033539), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Member of the crew of Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE (PT-191). From September through December, 1943, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Bloom participated actively in more than thirty combat patrols against Japanese barge traffic along the north coast of New Guinea and the west coast of New Britain. On these patrols his boat sank or destroyed 10 barges loaded with troops and supplies, 2 sketches, 1 lugger, 1 picket boat, and 2 enemy aircraft, frequently in the face of bitter resistance from the enemy craft and larger caliber shore guns. On three of these occasions his boat was hit by enemy fire. On the morning of 27 December 1943, while effecting a daylight reconnaissance of the coast of New Britain northwest of Arawe, his boat and PT-190 were attacked by 30 to 40 Japanese dive bombers and fighter planes. During the engagement, which lasted 45 minutes, all three of the engines in his boat were hit and damaged. Displaying exemplary coolness and gallantry and in disregard of personal safety he remained at his post although the engine room was filled with fumes from leaking gas and sprayed with hot water from damaged water jackets. With extraordinary skill and presence of mind he maintained all engines in an operative condition throughout the entire action. Perceiving that the gas tanks were hit and leaking he took immediate and successful action to prevent potential fire by shutting off the tank compartment and blanketing it with carbon dioxide. In the course of the action and in addition to his duties as engineer, he administered first aid to two injured members of the crew. The exceptional heroism, intrepidity, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Bloom were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.