HARRY L. GRUVER, Lieutenant, Jr. Grade, USNR received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of LCI(G) 346, attached to LCI(G) Group EIGHT, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the close-in fire support operations against IWO JIMA in the Volcano Islands on February 17, 1945. Ordered into the field of enemy fire after several gunboats in his task force had been severly damaged, Lieutenant, Jr. Grade, Gruver boldly defied the deadly rain of heavy shells bursting on all sides to close range and bring the 346 in position to render assistance to the stricken ships. Undated as the furious barrage laid down by powerful Japanese shore batteries continued unabated, he cooly directed his vessel in rescue operations and greatly assisted in the salvage of several badly battered ships. By his forceful leadership, indomitable determination and resourceful initiative in the face of shattering enemy fire, Lieutenant, Jr. Grade, Gruver contributed materially to the success of this extremely hazardous mission and his great personal valor throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.