The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Julian P. Muller, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Turret Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. SAVANNAH (CL-42), while that vessel was stationed in the Gulf of Salerno supporting our landings during the amphibious invasion of Italy on 11 September 1943. When his vessel received a direct hit from an enemy aerial bomb which pierced the top of a turret, exploded deep within the ship and filled the forward turrets with smoke and toxic gases, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Muller coolly and courageously directed the abandoning of the area. Discovering that two of his crew were not accounted for, he re-entered the turret and, despite the extreme danger, searched until he found the missing men. After getting them to safety, he went into an adjacent turret which was badly damaged and skillfully assisted in the rescue of personnel trapped inside. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Muller throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.