Somerville, Ronald, LT

Best Moment
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Ronald Lee Somerville (NSN: 0-156553), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Lieutenant Somerville skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire, from many gun emplacements on shore. He scored a direct bomb hit on the cruiser assigned him as a target, contributing materially to the heavy and extensive damage done to this warship. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.