The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Carpenter Albert Arnett Bartholomew (NSN: 202577), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. CHICAGO (CA-29), in action against enemy Japanese forces near Rennell Island, Solomon Islands, on 29 and 30 January, 1943. During an attack on his ship by Japanese aircraft, Carpenter Bartholomew became aware of the perilous threat to the buoyancy and stability of his ship. Without thought for his own safety, he voluntarily entered a compartment flooded with about 5 feet of fuel oil and water, swimming nearly 30 feet through the liquid in a heavy concentration of oil fumes, in order to close a watertight door. The conduct of Carpenter Bartholomew throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.