The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald F. Seaman, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Intelligence Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE (PT-89), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the rescue of a Navy Fighter Pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island. On the afternoon of 16 September 1944, after attempts at rescue by airplane had been turned back by hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Seaman requested permission to take part in a rescue by surface craft. Although the Torpedo Boats were twice driven back by intense fire from numerous coastal defense guns lining an 11-mile strait at the entrance of the passage, they finally succeeded in reaching the pilot. When it became apparent that the flier was injured too severely to help himself, Lieutenant Seaman quickly dived into the shell-splashed water and assisted him aboard. By his courage, daring and aggressiveness while subjected to fierce concentrations of Japanese fire for two-and-one-half hours during the operation, Lieutenant Seaman was directly instrumental in effecting one of the most perilous rescues in the Southwest Pacific Area. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Seaman were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.