Othello Christian Brunn

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Othello Christian Brunn, Chief Pay Clerk (SC), U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Supply Corps, SIXTEENTH Naval District, Cavite, Philippine Islands, following the Japanese bombing attack on the Cavite Naval Yard beginning on 10 December 1941. Chief Pay Clerk Brunn deliberately braved the danger of exploding munitions and burning buildings to remove official funds from the Navy Yard to a place of safety. In the latter part of the month Chief Pay Clerk Brunn obtained funds from Manila under hazardous circumstances during an intensive bombing, in order to pay off in full, the 6,000 former Navy Yard employees. The conduct of Chief Pay Clerk Brunn 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. 302 (May 1942)