John H. Lang

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Quartermaster John Henry Lang, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Chief Quartermaster Lang assisted his severely wounded commanding officer from the bridge and, although badly wounded himself, courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. Chief Quartermaster Lang demonstrated great intelligence and initiative in a situation where all of the officers were wounded, and refused medical aid for himself until all others were cared for. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.