The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Norman L. Paxton, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY-5 Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VPB-34), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the South Molucca Sea on the night of 31 July 1944. Lieutenant Paxton skillfully located a large enemy freighter-transport, protected by two escorts, at anchor in a small harbor, and attacked in bright moonlight although he knew the enemy force had been alerted and was in an advantageous tactical position to defend itself. Gliding to a low altitude in the face of an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire which severely damaged his aircraft, he scored two direct hits and two near misses on the merchant vessel, resulting in its destruction, and then safely brought his plane back to base despite its damaged condition. His actions on this occasion displayed outstanding courage and aggressiveness, professional ability, and a determination to bring destruction to the enemy in utter disregard of his own personal safety, in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.