The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Vern S. Hartgraves, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving Plane Captain of a Navy Patrol Bomber in a Patrol-Bombing Squadron, assigned to attack Marcus Island at low level on 9 May 1945. He skillfully and courageously, and with utter disregard for his own safety, removed live burning and exploding ammunition from the aircraft with his bare hands while the plane was under intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. This heroic act probably saved the ship and the lives of the crew. His skill and courage throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.