The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Chief Gunners Mate William B. Christ, United States Navy, for exceptionally and meritorious and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the Armed Draft Detail of the S.S. Orleans. Chief Gunner’s Mate Christ displayed heroic conduct when the Orleans was sunk by a German submarine on 3 July 1917, by entering the engine room of the sinking ship, attempting to stop the engines and remaining with the ship until all lifeboats and rafts had been launched, after which he left the ship with only a life preserver.