"For meritorious conduct during the engagement with a superior enemy force, in a three and on-half hour engagement, off the ______. While patrolling his part of the ship, during the heaviest part of the action and while the ship was the objective of heavy enemy fire, he discovered a partially flooded compartment and with complete disregard to his own safety entered the darkened compartment, dogged down the hatch above him and proceeded to investigate and isolate the damage. By his fearlessness and prompt, courageous action in entering the flooded compartment, without assistance and protection, further flooding of the larger compartment was prevented. Later during the action he traced out and repaired a damaged compressed air line to the smoke generator. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy
Permanent Citation