The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Julius O. Aschenbach, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Officer in Tactical Command of Motor Torpedo Boats ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT (PT-138), and ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (PT-133), in action against the enemy on the night of 13 May 1944. On that date, four Japanese barges were sighted near Dagua, New Guinea, close in against the beach. As his boat prepared to make a run on the barges, the enemy opened up with heavy and accurate fire from the barges off shore, other barges on the beach, and from 20-mm., 37-mm., and 40-mm. shore batteries located behind the barges. Despite this fire, which killed one man and wounded another, and holed the boats in numerous places, he closed his boat to within 150 yards of the barges and 200 yards of the beach. Fire from his boats sank three of the barges. After the run, it appeared that the engines of the following boat had failed, and that it would be left exposed and helpless to enemy fire. Despite an uncontrolled engine room fire, with aggressiveness and daring he started in again toward the batteries that were still threatening his life and the existence of his boat with their accurate fire. He took these batteries under fire, and only when he saw that the other boat was underway, did he withdraw. His skill, calmness, and fearlessness were in inspiration to his men. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Aschenbach were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.