Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Shipfitter Sylvester J. Haag, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the U.S.S. CURTISS (AV-4), during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kerama Betto on 21 June 1945. His ship was hit by an enemy suicide plane which demolished the midships section from keel to superstructure deck causing extensive fires in the surrounding area. He took charge of the After Repair Party and continuously fought fires in the face of heavy acrid smoke and intense heat until all were extinguished. He was always the first to enter dangerous spaces risking his life repeatedly to isolate the flaming compartments. Particularly heroic was his descent into a bomb magazine. It was known that the flooding system had not operated. Flames were still rampant overhead and the powder magazines adjacent had not been heated beyond the critical temperature yet he had himself lowered into the bomb magazine to ascertain its condition by feeling the ammunition. The paint had been burned off of the bombs by the intense heat but enough water had seeped down through the holes in the overhead that it was unnecessary to flood the compartment. His courageous actions contributed materially to saving the ship and his determination and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received