The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Hilyer Fulford Gearing, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on the occasion of the battery explosion on board the submarine U.S.S. S-49, on 20 April 1926. Lieutenant Gearing went into the battery compartment and remained until it was secured, directing the work of rescue and personally removing from the burning wreckage three men. His nerve and undaunted courage were an inspiration to the others in the rescue work, and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.