Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Boatswain’s Mate John Weber, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of Armed Guard of the S.S. Santa Maria. On 25 February 1918, the ship was torpedoed in the night, an attempt to beach her failed, and the ship had to be abandoned. The merchant crew left the ship, but the Armed Guard remained on board at gun stations, until the ship was awash, then the escort came alongside and took off the guard, the ship sinking immediately thereafter. The Commander of the Armed Guard is regarded as having handled the situation in a highly commendable manner.

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