The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Torpedoman Fred George Michels, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty during the diving operations in connection with the salvage of the U.S.S. S-4, sunk as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts, 17 December 1927. During the period 17 December 1927 to 17 March 1928, on which latter date the ill-fated vessel was raised, Chief Torpedoman Michels, under the most adverse weather conditions, at the risk of his life, descended many times into the icy waters and displayed throughout that period fortitude, skill, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Chief Torpedoman Fred George Michels, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and fearless devotion to duty on 18 December 1927, during the diving operations in connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. S-4 with all on board as a result of a collision off Provincetown, Massachusetts. Under such adverse weather conditions that only desperate circumstances warranted a dive being made, Chief Torpedoman Michels, only too well aware of the grave risk to his own life, promptly and willingly made a perilous descent to a depth of 102 feet for the purpose of connecting an air line to the submarine but due to insurmountable difficulties became seriously fouled and only after three terrible hours escaped with his life.