Charles E. Avery

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Gunner’s Mate Charles E. Avery, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service as commander of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Wilmore. On September 12, 1917, that ship was torpedoed, the after gun was wrecked by the explosion. The forward gun was manned. The ship sank in eight minutes. The commander of the Armed Guard was the last to leave. He fell into the water and was picked up. He is considered to have handled the situation in a highly commendable manner.