The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Harold John Mack (NSN: 3212522), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. VINCENNES (CA-44), in action against enemy Japanese forces after that vessel was attacked by enemy aircraft off Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, on 9 August 1942. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Mack was Gun Captain of Gun #4 on the 5-inch battery, and continued to direct the firing of his gun in local control while leaning up against the bulkhead behind the gun, after both his legs had been practically shot away. These wounds were so serious that he died soon afterwards on the life raft.