The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Frank Bruce, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOBOLINK, engaged in mine sweeping on the North Sea, when, on 14 May 1919, 1 mine was found to be foul of a parted sweep which was being reeled in. As soon as this dangerous situation was reported to him, Lieutenant Bruce took his station at the stern, sending everyone else forward, and proceeded to direct the operation of attempting to clear the mine. When the mine was near the surface and directly under the stern of the ship it exploded, killing Lieutenant Bruce almost instantly.