The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Seaman First Class John A. Dirnhoffer, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Seaman First Class Dirnhoffer displayed great coolness under fire while helping the Captain of the S.S. Mei Ping to get the underway and alongside a dock during the attack. Though wounded in this action, he assisted in extinguishing a fire caused by the first bombing, thereby temporarily saving the ship. He then assisted in transporting his more seriously wounded comrades overland for six miles to a hospital. The conduct of Seaman First Class Dirnhoffer throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.