Alfred Howard Akers, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Alfred Howard Akers, Jr. (3377714), Electrician’s Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. REID (DD-369), in action against the enemy on 11 December 1944, in the Mindanao Sea in the Philippine Islands. Electrician’s mate Third Class Akers demonstrated outstanding heroism and self- sacrifice in assisting a wounded shipmate escape from the U.S.S. REID, while she was afire and sinking as the result of an enemy air attack on 11 December 1944. Although the ship was literally ripped apart in the vicinity of his battle station, the steering motor room, and was already flooding through his escape hatch, Electricians Mate Third Class Akers forfeited his opportunity to escape in order to assist a wounded shipmate up through the hatch and into the clear. Within seconds the ship rolled over and sank. The gallant courage and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by Electrician’s Mate Third Class Akers exemplifies the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.