Wells Worth Carroll

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Wells Worth Carroll (0-174926), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Damage Control Officer aboard the Escort Carrier U.S.S. LISCOME BAY (CVE-56), when that vessel was sunk near Makin Island in the Gilbert Islands on 24 November 1943. Severely wounded when the LISCOME BAY was struck by a torpedo, Lieutenant Commander Carroll refused medical attention and courageously attempted to operate the fire-protection apparatus and to restore pressure in the fire mains despite continuous ammunition explosions and raging flames. He supervised the evacuation of several wounded men and encouraged others less seriously injured than himself. He refused to allow a shipmate to endanger himself by searching for a life jacket for him. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Carroll 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. 331 (October 1944)