The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant George A. Waidner, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of LSI(G)-FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE (LSI(G)-471), a close in fire support vessel, in operations against the enemy at Guam. On the night of 17 July 1944, in the face of heavy enemy gunfire and under extremely hazardous navigational difficulties, Lieutenant Waidner brought his ship close aboard a stranded vessel in an attempt to free her from the reef and remove the crew to safety. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.