The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Rollo Niel Norgaard, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HYMAN (DD-734), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa, 6 April 1945. Undaunted by the terrific onslaught when seven Japanese suicide planes viciously attacked his ship as she proceeded toward an enemy submarine base to take anti-small boat patrol station, Captain Norgaard aggressively met the attack of the first four planes plunging in rapid succession, shooting down two before another crashed the superstructure deck between the bridge and torpedo mount Number One. Two minutes after the plane hit, one of the warheads on mount Number One detonated, causing a heavy fire inflicting numerous casualties in the immediate vicinity. Stoutly determined to save the ship from spreading flames, Captain Norgaard personally directed the remaining rescue party in extinguishing the fire, repairing part of the damage and restoring the Hyman to maximum combat efficiency within ten minutes. Handicapped by extensive damage to his vessel when fiercely attacked by three more suicide planes during the return trip, he fiercely countered each attack, shooting down all three as they came within range. A daring and forceful lead despite overwhelming opposition, Captain Norgaard, by his expert seamanship and professional skill, heroically brought the Hyman to port under her own power. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.