Louis G. Gombasy

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis G. Gombasy, Seaman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When Seaman Gombasy heard a bomb strike the deck of the battleship U.S.S. NEVADA on which he was stationed, he left his station in a turret to assist in clearing mooring lines so that the vessel might get underway. Wounded, he continued to clear lines, help other injured personnel and fight fires. The conduct of Seaman Second Class Gombasy throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.