Walter Edward Flebbe

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Walter Edward Flebbe, Radioman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378), in action against the enemy during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. With the forecastle ablaze and Japanese aircraft attacking his damaged ship, Radioman Second Class Flebbe entered a burning compartment and jettisoned powder, which threatened to explode. The conduct of Radioman Second Class Flebbe 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. 317 (August 1943)