The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Harold R. Hazelwood (MCSN: 284466), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own condition while serving with Battery H, SIXTH Marine Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, Naval Air Station Midway, during the bombardment of Sand Island, Midway Islands, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Corporal Hazelwood, the switchboard operator at the Command Post, Battery H, was wounded by shell fragments of a projectile that burst in the Command Post. Despite a compound-fractured leg, he immediately set up his switchboard again and reestablished communication. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.