Albert Wilfred Brunelle

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Albert Wilfred Brunelle, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Member of the crew of Motor Torpedo Boat FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-THREE (PT-493), when it attacked a Japanese Destroyer in Surigao Strait, Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. During his ship’s retirement from the attack, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Brunelle was on watch in the engine room when Japanese 4.7-inch shells twice passed through his compartment. Many items of machinery were wrecked, including the auxiliary generator, and a large hole was blown in the side of his ship below the water line. In utter disregard for his own personal safety, he took off his own life jacket and stuffed it into the hole in an attempt to stem the inrushing water. He made emergency repairs upon the machinery which enabled the boat, though apparently in a helpless condition, to maintain its course and escape from the enemy. His magnificent efforts, under the severest of conditions undoubtedly saved the lives of those on board who survived the enemy shelling. The exceptional heroism, intrepidity, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Brunelle were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.