Henry John Mcgrath

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Henry John McGrath, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action between the United States Army chartered transport Amphion and an enemy submarine on the high seas on October 12, 1918. In the face of heavy enemy shell fire Second Lieutenant McGrath took charge of and directed the laying of fire hose along the deck and extinguished a fire which had been started by an exploding shell. Exposing himself to exploding shells and without regard for his personal safety, he carried a wounded seaman across the shell-swept deck to a place of safety. During the entire engagement, which lasted one hour and 20 minutes, this officer displayed great coolness, going from place to place about the ship and encouraging the crew at a time when encouragement was sorely needed. His coolness and the effective manner with which he gave orders inspired everyone and greatly aided the escape of the Amphion.