World War I - Navy Cross - Navy
There are 1,298 US Navy recipients of the Navy Cross which was awarded for exemplary and heroic service during World War I.
Each recipient is associated with one of nine areas of expertise:
- Administrative (ADM)
- Accidents and Rescues (AR)
- Naval Aviation (AVN)
- Chaplains, Corpsmen, Medical (CCM)
- Convoy Duty (CDY)
- Mine Clearing (MCL)
- Miscellaneous (MSC)
- Sinking and Rescues (SR)
- Engagement with Submarines (SUB)
* Indicates Killed in Action (KIA), Missing in Action (MIA), Prisoner of War (POW), or Died Non-Battle (DNB)
HALSTEAD, ALEXANDER S.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Board of Appraisal for Merchant Vessels
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Alexander S. Halstead, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as senior member, Board of Appraisal for Merchant Vessels and later in command of United States Naval Forces on French coast.
HAMBLEN, TYLER E.
Gunner's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Conyngham
Date Of Action: November 7, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Gunner's Mate Second Class Tyler E. Hamblen, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, when the U.S.S. Conyngham was at sea in a heavy storm on November 7,1918. A heavy sea came over the stern, releasing several depth charges, which rolled around the deck and two went overboard. Gunner's Mate Hamblen was on watch and rushed down in an attempt to prevent more charges going overboard, and was thrown about in the water. He called for help and one man came to his assistance, and they managed to hold the charges at great personal danger, and later were assisted in securing them, by two other men.
HANBERRY, REUEL V.
Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy
Armed Guard S.S. Albert Watts
Date Of Action: November 28, 1917
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Boatswain's Mate Reuel V. Hanberry, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Albert Watts. On November 28, 1917, that ship, loaded with gasoline, struck a mine or was torpedoed and caught fire. It was successfully beached. Later, after salvage, it again caught fire, made harbor, but continued to burn several days. The Armed Guard remained at stations while an engagement was possible, and later made every effort to salvage government property. The commander of the Armed Guard is regarded as handling the situation in a most excellent manner.
HANCOCK, JOHN M.
Commander (SC), U.S. Navy
Bureau of Supplies and Accounts
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John M. Hancock, Commander (SC), U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility in connection with the expansion and administration of the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts and in maintaining liaison with outside organizations associated with the bureau in the work of supplying the Navy.
HARRILL, WILLIAM K
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William K Harrill, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession. During the mine laying operations in the North Sea, Lieutenant Harrill, as aide on my staff was responsible for the maintenance and operation of radio and signal communications of the mine laying vessels and naval vessels arriving in the north of Scotland. His energy, zeal, and foresight enabled the vessels to adjust themselves to the new conditions of operations and adopt the foreign codes and ciphers without mishap or interruption. On account of my very small staff it was necessary to utilize this officer for much additional duty in connection with the planning and execution of the mine-laying operations. Later, during the mine sweeping operations as the senior officer present on my staff, he was charged with the details of the administration of a force consisting of 50 to 75 vessels. His devotion, zeal, and relentless efforts in this responsible position highly merit the award recommended.
HARRIS, FREDERICK R.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Yards and Docks
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Frederick R. Harris, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks.
HARRIS, IRA L.
Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Shaw
Date Of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Machinist's Mate Ira L. Harris, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the Collision of the U.S.S. Shaw with the H.M.S. Aquitania when the Shaw was cut in two and set on fire. Chief Machinist's Mate Harris, with others, set a splendid example of efficiency, coolness, and indifference to danger, remaining at his post in the engine room, although water was knee deep and he had every reason to believe the ship was sinking.
HELM, JAMES M.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commandant, Fourth Naval District
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James M. Helm, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commandant of the Fourth Naval District.
HICKS, THOMAS H.
Captain, U.S. Navy
Aide For Supply, Fifth Naval District
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas H. Hicks, Captain, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service while aide for supply, Fifth Naval District, and Operating Base, Hampton Roads. Captain Hicks organized and handled work in connection with supplies for the District and Fleet, and for Transports from Hampton Roads, with marked resourcefulness and tenacity. Also as member of the Board of Control, War Construction Activities of the District, he handled difficult questions of transportation of materials and labor, and problems of power, light, ferry and streetcar service.
HILTON, JAMES C.
Commander, U.S. Navy
Bureau of Supplies and Accounts
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James C. Hilton, Commander, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility in connection with the expansion and administration of the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts to meet the demands of war and in maintaining the liaison with outside organizations associated with the bureau in the work of supplying the Navy.
HINES, HAROLD K.
Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy
Liaison, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Date of Action: December 6, 1917
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harold K. Hines, Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as senior United States Naval officer at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in efficient and harmonious co-operation with British officials, and especially in assistance rendered ashore and afloat following the disastrous explosion at Halifax Harbor on December 6, 1917
HOOGEWERFF, JOHN A.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, Battleship Force 1, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John A. Hoogewerff, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commander, Division 1, Battleship Force 1, Atlantic Fleet.
HODGES, A. F.
Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Barnegat
Date Of Action: February 21, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Fireman First Class A. F. Hodges, U.S. Navy, for meritorious conduct during an accident sustained by the Barnegat on 21 February, 1918. Fireman First Class Hodges, a member of the engine-room force, was in the fireroom three minutes after the accident, which was flooded with escaping steam, and had the fires pulled.
HORNE, FREDERICK J.
Commander, U.S. Navy
Naval Attaché, Tokyo, Japan
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Frederick J. Horne, Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Naval Attaché, Tokyo, Japan, in which capacity he had remarkable success in establishing and maintaining friendly relations with the Japanese authorities in supplying valuable information to the Office of Naval Intelligence and to the commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet. Commander Horne also performed extremely meritorious service in connection with the purchase and building of ships in Japan for the United States Government.
HULINGS, GARNET
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. AL-4
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Garnet Hulings, United States Navy, for distinguished and heroic action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. AL-4, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested by enemy submarines, destroyers and mines, protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies; and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity during World War I.
HUNSAKER, JEROME C.
Commander (CC), U.S. Navy
Aircraft Division, Bureau of Construction and Repair
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Jerome C. Hunsaker, Commander (CC), U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility in charge of the Aircraft Division of the Bureau of Construction and Repair, in which position he showed ability unsurpassed in the United States as an aircraft designer as well, as great organizing and executive ability in expanding and handling a large force. The successful development of naval aircraft was due largely to the ability and industry of this officer.
HUNT, FRANK C.
Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Cuyama
Date Of Action: September 19, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Fireman First Class Frank C. Hunt, U.S. Navy, for heroism at his own risk of life. Fireman Hunt performed most meritorious service to the Government in entering the engine room of the U.S.S. Cuyama on September 19, 1918, when filled with ammonia fumes, and performed rescue and repair work.
INGERSOLL, ROYAL E.
Commander, U.S. Navy
Communication Office, U.S. Navy Department
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Royal E. Ingersoll, Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished seryice in the line of his profession in organizing, developing, and administering the Communication Office of the Navy Department.
INGRAM, JONAS HOWARD
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Flag Lieutenant, Staff of the Commander, Division 9, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Jonas Howard Ingram, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Flag Lieutenant on the staff of the Commander of Division Nine, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, which operated with the British Grand fleet as the 6th Battle Squadron.
Birth: 10/15/1887 - Jeffersonville, IN
Home Town: Jeffersonville, IN
Other Award: Medal of Honor (Vera Cruz)
IRWIN, NOBLE EDWARD
Captain, U.S. Navy
Director, U.S. Naval Aviation Force
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Noble Edward Irwin, Captain, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Director of Naval Aviation in connection with the development, building, and operation of the Naval Air Service for war purposes.
Birth: 9/29/1869 - Greenfield, OH
Home Town: Greenfield, OH
IVERSON, LOUIS
Lieutenant (MC), U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Niagara
Date Of Action: July 2, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant (MC) Louis Iverson, U.S. Navy, for distinguished and courageous service in volunteering to go in a boat from the U.S.S. Niagara to the assistance of the British troopship City of Vienna, ashore on Black Rock, on July 2, 1918.
JACKSON, RICHARD H.
Captain, U.S. Navy
Naval Attaché, Paris, France
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Richard H. Jackson, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Naval Attaché and liaison officer at Paris, France.
JAYNE, JOSEPH L.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, Battleship Force 1, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph L. Jayne, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commander, Division 3, Battleship Force 1, Atlantic Fleet.
JOHNSTON, MARBURY
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, Squadron 2, Cruiser and Transport Force
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Marbury Johnston, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commander of Squadron 2 of the cruiser force.
KEARNEY, THOMAS A.
Captain, U.S. Navy
Commanding Officer, Naval Ammunition Depot (St. Juliens Creek)
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas A. Kearney, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commanding officer of naval ammunition depot, St. Juliens Creek, where he had the task of providing and arming merchantmen and the auxiliaries as well as the Atlantic Fleet, and where he was further charged with the erection of the first mine-loading plant ever developed in the United States and with the operation of the plant.
KEISER, CARL E.
Ensign, U.S. Navy RF
Aide to the Commander, 1st Squadron, Submarine Chasers
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Carl E. Keiser, Ensign, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as aide to the commander of the 1st squad of submarine chasers, engaged in the important, exacting, and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters of the war zone and operating against enemy submarines.
KESSLER, WILLIAM C.
Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Shaw
Date Of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Boatswain's Mate William C. Kessler, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the collision of the U.S.S. Shaw with H.M.S. Aquitania when the Shaw was cut in two and set on fire. Chief Boatswain's Mate Kessler set a splendid example of efficiency, coolness, and indifference to danger, especially in taking part in throwing overboard ready ammunition piled on the deck of the Shaw within five feet of a blazing oil tank.
KING, ERNEST JOSEPH
Captain, U.S. Navy
Assistant Chief of Staff, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Ernest Joseph King, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as assistant chief of staff of the Atlantic Fleet.
Birth: 11/23/1878 - Lorain, OH
Home Town: Lorain, OH
KING, JOSEPH C.
Chief Turret Captain, U.S. Navy
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Turret Captain Joseph C. King, U.S. Navy, for heroic conduct, coolness and efficiency in handling the fire rescue party in the after gang when the Portuguese S.S. Paniche was afire.
KLINE, GEORGE W.
Captain, U.S. Navy
President, Board of Inspection and Survey
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George W. Kline, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service as president of the Board of Inspection and Survey.
KNOX, DUDLEY W.
Captain, U.S. Navy
Staff of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces (Europe)
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Dudley W. Knox, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on the staff of the commander of the United States Naval forces operating in European waters.
KOEHLER, HUGO W.
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Hugo W. Koehler, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished services in the line of his profession for duty in connection with preparation of submarine chasers for duty in the war zone and subsequently their operation in the Irish Sea and off the coast of Ireland.
KOESTER, OSCAR W.
Captain, U.S. Navy
Assistant, Bureau of Steam Engineering
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Oscar W. Koester, Captain, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as assistant to the Bureau of Steam Engineering, having under his immediate direction much of the tremendously expanded business of the bureau and specifically the supervision of repairs to the machinery of German ships. In addition to the above Captain Koester had charge of extensive works of construction and expansion of supply plants to adapt them for naval use, and was in charge of the bureau organization for taking over all merchant ships, patrol vessels, etc. and for the equipment thereof.
KURTZ, THOMAS R.
Captain, U.S. Navy
Operations Aide, U.S. Naval Forces (France)
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas R. Kurtz, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as operations aide, United States Naval Forces in France.
LACKEY, HENRY E.
Captain, U.S. Navy
U.S. Naval Ordnance Proving Ground
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Henry E. Lackey, Captain, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility in charge of the naval ordnance proving ground and powder factory, in handling and testing the great amount of ordnance material with which that station was called upon to deal, so rapidly as to maintain a constant flow of absolutely necessary material to the service.
LAND, EMORY S.
Commander (CC), U.S. Navy
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Emory S. Land, Commander (CC), U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in connection with the design and construction of submarines and for work in the war zone.
LANING, HARRIS
Captain, U.S. Navy
Assistant Chief, Bureau of Navigation
Date of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harris Laning, Captain, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in charge of the detail of officers of the Navy, and later as Assistant Chief of Bureau of Navigation, in which position he rendered extremely valuable service in working out successfully the great problem of providing and assigning 3,000 new officers of all grades and corps.
LAWRENCE, ARTHUR N.
Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy
Pilot, Northern Bombing Groups
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant (j.g.) Arthur N. Lawrence, U.S. Navy, for distinguished and heroic service as an aviator operating with the United States and British air forces in the war zone. Lieutenant (j.g.) Lawrence took part in many raids over the enemy's lines.
LEARY, CLARENCE F.
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
U.S.S. Charlton Hall
Date Of Action: July 20, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant Clarence F. Leary, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of a fire on the U.S.S. Charlton Hall on July 20, 1918, in entering the burning hold at the risk of his life in an attempt to save the ship.
LIBBY, CHARLES J.
Boilermaker, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Shaw
Date Of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Boilermaker Charles J. Libby, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the collision between the U.S.S. Shaw and H.M.S. Aquitania when the Shaw was cut in two and set on fire. Boilermaker Libby was thrown into the water where he found himself near two other men, both of whom were in a dazed condition. Having succeeded in securing two life preservers, he fastened these around the waists of the other men, and refused to be picked up by the Kimberley until both of the disabled men had been taken on board.
LITTON, GEORGE R.
Carpenter, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Shaw
Date Of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Carpenter George R. Litton, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the collision between the U.S.S. Shaw and H.M.S. Aquitania on October 9, 1918, when the Shaw was cut in two and set on fire. Carpenter Litton, of the Shaw, with other officers and enlisted men, threw overboard a large quantity of 4-inch ammunition which was on deck only a few feet from a blaming oil tank, and this while the ammunition near them was already exploding. This heroic action saved the ship from complete destruction and made it possible for her to proceed to port under her own steam in spite of the loss of her bow.
LOGAN, JAMES J.
Machinist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Victor
Date Of Action: February 10, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Machinist's Mate First Class James J. Logan, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on the U.S.S. Victor. On the occasion of an explosion in a motor crank case and resulting fire in the engine room at sea, on February 10, 1918, which became very dangerous on account of the proximity of the main gasoline tank, Machinist's Mate Logan, accompanied by the commanding officer, went into the engine room repeatedly, were much burned, but by use of the fire extinguishers succeeded in putting out the fire and saving the ship.
LEE, BENJAMIN
Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Ensign Benjamin Lee, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for distinguished and heroic service as an aviator operating with the U.S. Naval Aviation Forces, foreign service, engaged in patrolling the waters of the war zone, escorting and protecting troop and cargo ships and operating against enemy submarines.
LEE, LEWIS H.
Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant (j.g.) Lewis H. Lee, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for distinguished and heroic service as an aviator operating with the U.S. Naval Aviation Forces, foreign service, engaged in patrolling the waters of the war zone, escorting and protecting troop and cargo ships and operating against enemy submarines.
LEHAN, RALPH A.
Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: October, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Ensign Ralph A. Lehan, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in the line of his profession as an aviator, engaged in patrolling over enemy submarines in October, 1918.
LITTLE, CHARLES G.
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Commander of a Dirigible, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant Charles G. Little, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commanding officer of a dirigible engaged in patrol and convoy flights, in the war zone, in which operations he did exceptional work, pushing his flights to the limits of physical and material endurance.
LOOMIS, RALPH LANE
Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, Seaplane Detachment, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Ensign Ralph Lane Loomis, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for distinguished and heroic service as a seaplane pilot in which capacity he made many flights for patrolling the sea and bombing the enemy coasts, showing at all times courage and a high spirit of duty.
Lovett, Robert A.
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, Northern Bombing Groups
Date Of Action: October & November, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant Robert A. Lovett, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for distinguished service in the line of his profession in connection with the organization of the northern bombing group, and for active and daring raids over the enemy line in Belgium against submarine bases at Ostend and Zeebrugge, and for raids made in co-operation with the allied armies during the retirement of the enemy on the Belgian front during October and November, 1918.
LUDLOW, GEORGE H.
Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, Chase Plane, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: August 21, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Ensign George H. Ludlow, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for extraordinary heroism as pilot of a chase plane on August 21, 1918, in a patrol for dropping propaganda on Pola, and in an attack on a superior force of land planes.
LYNCH, FRANCIS R. V.
Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces)
Pilot, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces
Date Of Action: World War I
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lieutenant (j.g.) Francis R. V. Lynch, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for distinguished and heroic service as a member of the U.S. Naval Aviation Forces, foreign service. Lieutenant (j.g.) Lynch was engaged in patrolling the waters of the war zone, escorting and protecting troop and cargo ships, and operating against enemy submarines.
