The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign James T. Hildebrand, Jr. (NSN: 0-137143), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron FORTY (VP-40), Patrol Wing FOUR, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, during the period 1 through 15 June 1942. Ensign Hildebrand made daring, repeated dive-bombing and strafing attacks on Japanese ships and four-motored patrol planes, constantly seeking out and engaging the enemy, despite the hazards of severe weather conditions and fire from anti-aircraft and shore batteries, thereby inspiring other members of his squadron to supreme efforts. He participated in all-night patrols and bombing attacks on enemy Japanese ships in Kiska harbor and succeeded in scoring a hit on an enemy transport, all the while defying continuous and heavy anti-aircraft fire. Ensign Hildebrand’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.