Eugene Trefethern Seaward

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Eugene Trefethern Seaward, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. FARENHOLT (DD-491), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Commander Seaward engaged the Japanese until severe damage to his ship forced his retirement. Even though the U.S.S. FARENHOLT was rocked by explosion, her compartments were flooded, and two of her boilers were gone, Seaward brought her safely into port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.