Joseph E. Reiter

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Gunner’s Mate Joseph E. Reiter, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Paulsboro, and in two engagements with enemy submarines. On February 25, 1918, at night, a torpedo was sighted, but by quick maneuvering, it missed the ship. Six shots were fired at the submarine, which then disappeared. On March 1, 1918, a submarine was sighted, and an engagement followed, lasting fifty minutes. The ship was struck several times. Several shots from the ship struck close to the submarine, which then disappeared.