The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Oliver Parrott, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as First Lieutenant on board the Destroyer U.S.S. CORRY (DD-463), near St. Vaast off the Coast of France, after that vessel struck a mine on 6 June 1944. After word had been given to abandon ship, and while the ship was sinking under the gunfire of shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Parrott went down into the forward fireroom of the ship to rescue a Watertender Third Class trapped under the grating of the upper level, who was swimming in fuel oil and water. Although the atmosphere of the fireroom was filled with live steam, at extreme risk to his own life, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Parrott went under the grating and pulled the enlisted man to safety. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Parrott throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.