The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Gunner Joseph M. Gately, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on the occasion of the explosions from lightning at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Lake Denmark, New Jersey, on 10 July 1926. Although he fully realized the imminence of great peril, Chief Gunner Gately continued at his post of duty in an endeavor to check the spread of the disaster, thereby losing his life. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.