Edward Carlyle Daly

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Edward Carlyle Daly, Coxswain, U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. DOWNES (DD-375), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. After an oil fire forced the abandonment of his station in the forward part of his ship, the U.S.S. DOWNES, a destroyer which was heavily bombed during the attack, Coxswain Daly gave up his life in a courageous and daring attempt to save a badly wounded shipmate who had been trapped in a flaming compartment of the ship. The conduct of Coxswain Daly throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)