The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Watertender Second Class Maynard William Tollberg (NSN: 3106537), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. La VALLETTE (DD-448), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Rennell Island, Solomon Islands, on 29 and 30 January, 1943. On that date, Watertender Second Class Tollberg was at his battle station on the upper gratings of the forward fireroom when a torpedo struck the LaVALLETTE. He reached the main deck through the fireroom hatch which had been blown open by the force of the explosion. He still had control of his mental faculties although he was burned almost beyond recognition by high pressure steam. The flesh was almost completely gone from the palms of his hands and the soles of his feet. He was partially blind. Despite his condition his first act, when he reached the main deck, was to try to operate the remote control of the quick closing oil valve. He died one hour and thirty minutes later. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.