The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gerald Martin Connors, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Landing Craft Infantry Gunboat FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE (LCI(G)-369), operating as a unit of LCI(G), Group EIGHT, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the close-in fire support operations against Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 17 February 1945. Vigilant and determined, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Connors penetrated the spreading curtain of devastating gunfire from powerful Japanese coastal positions to close the beach and deliver a steady barrage, blasting the enemy’s fortifications with unrelenting aggressiveness for more than an hour. With his firepower reduced as operational casualties disabled his main battery, he steadfastly remained on station and intensified the rate of fire from his 20-mm. guns until the heavy battery was again in operation. Ordered to withdraw from the field of combat when fires flared and the 469 began shipping water as a result of enemy gunfire, he effected damage control in a matter of minutes and, voluntarily returning to the firing line, again closed the beach in bold defiance of the pounding fury of Japanese shore batteries and continued to bombard defensive positions, persistently delivering heavy and short range fire despite additional hits and increasing personnel casualties resulting from the incessant counterfire. By his dauntless courage, indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding professional skill, Lieutenant Connors contributed materially to the success of this extremely hazardous mission and his valiant leadership throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.