William F. O’Brien

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Boatswain’s Mate William F. O’Brien, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in command of the Armed Guard on U.S.A.T.C, Lucia when it was torpedoed on October 17, 1918. The crew was capable and dependable under critical conditions. Chief Boatswain’s Mate O’Brien, with his men, remained on duty 21 hours after the ship was struck, taking no time off for sleep and only a few moments for food, which was brought to their station.