Albert Curtis Thatcher

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Albert Curtis Thatcher, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Wounded in the severe enemy bombing and strafing attack on the naval air station, Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Aviation Machinist Mate Second Class Thatcher continued to assist Ensign D. Arnold Singleton, USNR, in securing fuel lines at the station and helping free the tanker, U.S.S. NEOSHO that was fueling the station. The conduct of Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Thatcher throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.