Reuel V. Hanberry

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Reuel V. Hanberry, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Albert Watts. On November 28, 1917, that ship, loaded with gasoline, struck a mine or was torpedoed and caught fire. It was successfully beached. Later, after salvage, it again caught fire, made harbor, but continued to burn several days. The Armed Guard remained at stations while an engagement was possible, and later made every effort to salvage government property. The commander of the Armed Guard is regarded as handling the situation in a most excellent manner.