John W. Rogers

The Navy Cross is awarded to Seaman John W. Rogers, U.S. Navy, for heroic conduct and devotion to duty while serving as a member of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Florence H on April 17, 1918, when that ship, loaded with explosives blew up in Quiberon Bay, France. Rogers at the risk of his life remained on the deck throwing loose wood over the side to assist men in the water and after going overboard, gave up the timer to which he was clinging to save others.