The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boilermaker First Class Guy Littleton Eash, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and exceptionally meritorious service on the occasion of a collision between the U.S.S. McFarland and the U.S.S. Ellis on 5 November 1934, during high-speed night destroyer maneuvers with ships darkened. The bow of the Ellis punctured the starboard bulkhead of number one fireroom which flooded to within approximately eight inches of the lower edge of the boiler steam drums very rapidly. Communication with the fireroom was very difficult because of a broken steam line on the main deck. Boilermaker First Class Eash had every reason to believe that the ship would be destroyed but in spite of this and the inrushing tons of sea water he coolly and courageously remained at his station in charge of the fireroom watch. Under his direction and with his assistance pumps were started and boilers secured so promptly and in such efficient manner that not only was the boiler explosion and consequent loss of live averted, but the boilers were saved from appreciable damage resulting from submergence.