The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Ensign E. F. Williams, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility in Command of the U.S.S. C-84, and Sub-Chaser Unit No. EIGHT. On 10 July 1918, an attack was made on an enemy submarine and depth charge delivered, and there is good evidence that the enemy submarine was badly damaged. In July 1918, Ensign Williams sighted a floating mine, and in order that it might not do damage to other ships he went personally in a boat and towed it to his ship, where he made it fast and towed it all night, ending by sinking it in the morning.