John George Wallace

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John George Wallace, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island in the Solomons on the night of on November 12 and 13 1942. Although he had sustained serious burns when a hostile plane crashed in flames upon his station, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wallace, despite acute pain and waning strength, fought tirelessly to combat the ensuing fire and administered first aid to other wounded personnel until he lost consciousness. His gallant spirit of self- sacrifice, maintained above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.