William Chasen

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Gunner’s Mate William Chasen, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving on the U.S.S. Sampson, on November 7, 1918, while that vessel was in a bad storm off the coast of Ireland, the depth charge track spread. One charge worked loose and there was danger that it would cause serious damage. Under the orders of an officer, and with another man, Chief Gunner’s Mate Chasen succeeded in securing the depth charge under the most dangerous conditions.