The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Seaman First Class Charles V. Claybourn (NSN: 3722-1754), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while held as a Prisoner of War, near Sindangan, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 7 September 1944. When an enemy vessel transporting American prisoners of war was torpedoed, killing or injuring many men in the stifling hold, Seaman First Class Claybourn with great presence of mind immediately established order among the survivors. After lifting a heavy steel beam which had pinned down one man he led the stunned group toward the hatch opening. Met by a withering hail of rifle fire from frenzied enemy guards on the deck of the rapidly sinking ship, Seaman First Class Claybourn instead of seeking escape undauntedly and courageously braved the fire unarmed in an effort to lead his group to safety. Evading every desperate measure of the frantic enemy to prevent him from rescuing his comrades, he conducted the wounded men to the side of the ship and remained until all had leaped into the water. While maddened enemy soldiers continued to fire on the defenseless and floundering men, he swam about with complete disregard for his life, helping the injured to keep afloat, pushing them toward floating timbers or bits of debris, shouting encouragement, and guiding the survivors shoreward. At length, despite utter physical exhaustion, he succeeded in bringing the group to shore, where they were assisted by Filipino guerrillas and ultimately returned to our forces. Seaman First Class Claybourn’s daring leadership, complete fearlessness, and intrepidity in repeatedly risking his life to aid his companions were responsible for saving many lives and were an inspiration to his stricken comrades.