The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant James Jacob Horovitz, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Landing Craft Infantry Gunboat FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX (LCI(G)-366), operating as a unit of LCI(G), Group EIGHT, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the close-in fire support operations against Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 17 February 1945. Boldly defying the devastating barrage, Lieutenant Horovitz moved his craft into the firing line, skillfully maneuvering close inshore to insure the effectiveness of his attack. With the enemy’s overpowering gunfire exacting a heavy toll of the lightly armored group he took over additional assigned sectors, and, keeping his guns trained on the beach, continued to blast the heavy coastal defenses with barrage rockets until his own guns were disabled and his ship severely damaged under the incessant pounding. Courageous and steadfast, he calmly maintained control of his crippled vessel and promptly reorganizing his crew, directed the valiant LCI to safety without further damage or casualties. Lieutenant Horovitz’ dauntless perseverance, maintained in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success of his group in paving the way for the invasion of Iwo Jima two days later and his stout-hearted devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.