The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Warner Philip Portz (NSN: 0-9042), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while a prisoner of war of the Japanese serving as Senior Officer of a group of over 1,600 prisoners confined in the holds of the Japanese vessel ORYOKU MARU, during the period 13 December 1944 to 15 December 1944. By registering vigorous and repeated protests in spite of beatings and threats of execution, Commander Portz persisted in his efforts to obtain water and ventilation for his suffering and dying comrades until shot in the head during the bombing and strafing of the vessel on 15 December 1944. His performance of duty as Senior Prisoner was in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.