Ned Bigelow Curtis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ned Bigelow Curtis, Pharmacist’s Mate 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. Acting on orders to evacuate the control officers starboard antiaircraft battery of a battleship, Corpsman Curtis climbed the foremast to the director under heavy enemy bombing and strafing which were causing heavy casualties. He disregarded orders of the wounded officer, Ensign Joseph K. Taussig, Jr., to go below. Placing him in a stretcher, and with the assistance of other men, he lowered him three deck levels to the boat deck when other means of descent were blocked by a serious fire caused by a bomb hit. He was burned so severely as to cause his subsequent removal to a hospital. The conduct of Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Curtis throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.