The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunner’s Mate First Class Minor Butler Poole (NSN: 2743298), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Petty Officer in charge of the forward magazine flooding control station on board the Light Cruiser U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), during the operations of U.S. Naval Forces in action against Japanese Naval Forces off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Gunner’s Mate First Class Poole was ordered to flood the forward magazines. He proceeded to the second deck to energize the flooding panel but was driven back by gas. He put on a gas mask and again entered the gas-filled compartment. He was killed by gas before he succeeded in fulfilling his mission, but his failure in now way detracts from his bravery and disregard of personal safety in entering a gas-filled compartment. Gunner’s Mate First Class Poole’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.