Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant James Almond Saunders, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of the torpedoing of the U.S.S. CASSIN on 15 October 1917. Following the explosion, it was found that smoke was pouring out of the handling room, immediately adjoining the magazine. Lieutenant Saunders, Lieutenant J. W. McClaran, and Chief Machinist’s Mate F. R. Fisher went into the compartment, well knowing what degree of danger might be incurred in so doing, opened and inspected the magazine and located the course of the fire, which was found to be outside of the magazine.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1941 – September 2, 1945

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 377 (July 1948)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain James Almond Saunders, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while attached to the Committee on Naval Affairs and Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate, from the commencement of hostilities in 1941 to 2 September 1945.