The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jerome J. O’Dowd, 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 FIFTY-SEVEN (LCI(G)-457), a close-in fire support vessel operating as a unit of LCI(G), Group EIGHT, in the pre-invasion bombardment of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 17 February 1945. In the face of intense fire from Japanese coastal defense guns and automatic weapons, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, O’Dowd skillfully maneuvered his ship and directed effective gunfire against the enemy beach until serious underwater damage necessitated the retirement of his ship. His conduct throughout was outstanding and distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, O’Dowd’s exceptional courage and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.