The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Warrant Machinist James H. Wallace, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for heroic action and devotion to duty while serving on the U.S.S. HARVARD, when a fire occurred in the coal bunkers of the vessel at sea. Lieutenant Wallace, then warrant machinist, entered the bunkers filled with steam and gas, while the fire was burning and worked for forty-eight hours without sleep. It was largely due to his courage and perseverance that serious consequences were avoided.