Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Norbert Frank Ketza (NSN: 7269493), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), during enemy air attacks on 21 January 1945. While working with a repair party he made many trips into smoke-filled compartments to rescue men who had been overcome with smoke. This was done with complete disregard for his own personal safety and without benefit of a rescue breathing apparatus. Each man brought out by him was revived. On the last trip he himself was overcome and could never be revived. His actions were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service, in that he gave his own life in saving the lives of several of his shipmates.

Awards Received