The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Chief Watertender Charles L. O’Connor, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service at the time of the torpedoing of the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON, on 5 September 1918, by remaining in a compartment and endeavoring to close a water-tight door which led into a bunker abaft the fireroom. This action showed great presence of mind and devotion to duty on the part of Chief Watertender O’Connor, without any thought of his own safety.