The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Watertender First Class Ralph Pettengill, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. FARENHOLT (DD-491), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Watertender First Class Pettengill courageously secured the Number One boiler when the main steam line was damaged causing the fireroom to fill with superheated steam, and continued to fire boiler Number Two, until it too was put out of commission. He remained below until he could no longer see the water glass, then secured the second boiler, stopped the auxiliaries, filled both boilers with water and successfully directed the escape of his fireroom personnel without injury to a single man, before leaving the flooded compartment. The conduct of Watertender First Class Pettengill throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.