The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Willis Everett Hardy, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa Shima, on 6 April 1945. Participating in the interception of a large force of Japanese aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hardy attacked an enemy fighter plane, causing it to crash into the sea. Sighting two hostile dive bombers, he shot both down in quick succession. Centering his fire upon a third dive bomber, he skillfully exploded it in midair after which he set off in relentless pursuit of another Japanese dive bomber, which crashed into the sea, exploding with terrific force upon impact. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hardy and the United States Naval Service.