The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hershel Fayne Boyd (NSN: 0-225627), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (PT-363), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the rescue of a Navy Fighter Pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island. On the afternoon of 16 September 1944, after attempts at rescue by airplane had been turned back by hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd unhesitatingly volunteered to aid in this hazardous mission. Although the two participating Torpedo Boats were twice driven back by intense fire from numerous coast defense guns lining an 11-mile strait at the entrance of the passage, they finally succeeded in reaching their objective and in locating the pilot. Cool and courageous despite fierce Japanese fire which harassed the Torpedo Boat crews throughout the two and one-half hour operations, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd rendered gallant service during one of the most perilous rescues in the Southwest Pacific area. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boyd were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.