Clifton Edward Snell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Clifton Edward Snell, Watertender Second Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in while serving as a member of the Boiler Crew of No. 1 Fireroom on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. During an intense bombing attack the explosion of an enemy bomb in the uptakes of the forward group of boilers extinguished the fires in all boilers except No 1, and filled all boiler rooms with heavy smoke and gasses. In spite of the heat, stifling fumes and the imminence of explosion, Water Tender Second Class Snell and a comrade, with complete disregard for their own personal safety, assisted in keeping the boiler under steam to keep the ship’s auxiliary power in operation. Their capable performance of this task helped to make it possible for the YORKTOWN to attain the speed necessary for launching fighting planes in time to oppose a Japanese aerial torpedo attack. The conduct of Watertender Second Class Snell throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)