William L. Elmore

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Gunner’s Mate William L. Elmore, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on the U. S. Submarine E-1. While at sea on December 12, 1917, a five-inch line fouled a propeller and diving rudder, so that they could not be used. Chief Gunner’s Mate Elmore volunteered to clear the propeller. While the seas were still running nigh, with a rope around his body, he swam to the stern, dived, and under great danger and difficulty cut away the fouled line, and cleared the propeller.