The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Chief Gunner George Gourlay, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as member of the crew of the U.S.S. CURLEW, which was engaged in mine clearing work in July 1919. A mine exploded close to the stern of his ship sending a wave of water over the after end and washing two of the crew overboard. Chief Gunner Gourlay jumped into the rough and almost ice-cold sea with mines exploding in the vicinity and rescued one mate; the other was lost.