The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Wallace Gordon Cornell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Patrol Craft FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY-SEVEN (PC-487), in combat against an enemy Japanese submarine in the vicinity of the Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, on 10 June 1943. While escorting two ships, Lieutenant Cornell, despite the low visibility prevailing in that area, made contact with a hostile submarine. Skillfully attacking the enemy craft with depth charges, he forces her to the surface, then turned and, at full speed, rammed the submarine and passed completely over her. After repeating these daring tactics he opened fire with his three-inch and 20-mm. guns, scoring direct hits and sending the Japanese craft, stern first, to her destruction. With the bow of his ship partly flooded, her bulkheads stove in, and seams leaking dangerously, he directed the control of damage and brought his ship safely into port under her own power. By his superb seamanship and great courage, Lieutenant Cornell upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.