The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign Harold Ralph Mazza (NSN: 0-83984), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VT-47), attached to the U.S.S. BATAAN (CVL-29), in action on 7 April 1945, while deployed over the East China Sea. As Squadron Commander he led his carrier based torpedo bomber planes in the East China Sea off the coast of the Japan mainland in the vicinity of Kyushu. He led the attack in, while under intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and heavy gun fire. His tactics, skill and alertness brought the attack in from the disengaged side of the target and enabled his squadron to score several torpedo hits on a Japanese heavy battleship which was later seen to sink. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Harold Ralph Mazza (NSN: 0-83984), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Mazza participated in a vigorous and determined dive-bombing attack, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign Harold Ralph Mazza (NSN: 0-83984), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 8 May 1942, in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and concerted enemy fighter opposition, Ensign Mazza closed to within a few hundred yards of the target to execute a fearless and determined attack. Scoring a hit on an enemy aircraft carrier, he thereby contributed to the severe damage and probable destruction of the vessel and aided materially in the success of the operation. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign Harold Ralph Mazza (NSN: 0-83984), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VT-47), attached to the U.S.S. BATAAN (CVL-29), in action against the enemy on 28 July 1945. As Squadron Commander he skillfully and courageously led his carrier based torpedo bombers in a bombing attack against units of the enemy fleet in Kure Harbor on the Japan mainland island of Honshu. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft gunfire from fleet units and shore installations, he nevertheless pressed home his attack, scoring two bomb hits on a Japanese heavy cruiser, and contributed materially to the sinking of that vessel immediately after the attack. His professional skill, alertness, and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.