James William Daugherty

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James William Daugherty, Chief Watertender, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. SHUBRICK (DD-268), in action against the enemy during the Sicilian Campaign on 4 August 1943. Hearing the cries of men who were trapped in the after fireroom when an enemy bomb inflicted severe damage on his ship, Chief Watertender Daugherty disregarded imminent peril to himself and promptly went to the rescue of his helpless comrades. To facilitate escape, he cut away a blackout device, then entered the fast-flooding, steam-filled compartment and assisted the imprisoned crew members to safety. The conduct of Chief Watertender Daugherty throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 333 (December 1944)