The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Signalman First Class Max Marcellini Archiberque, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), in the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on 12 and 13 November 1942. After an enemy plane had crashed into the after machine gun platform and started a large fire, Signalman First Class Archiberque, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, ably assisted in leading a hose to the top of Turret III, and although this turret was firing, he effectively fought the fire while facing the terrific blast. During the night action while under heavy and accurate enemy fire he gallantly assisted in leading a hose into the starboard hangar door in the face of terrific blast from Turret III, then firing to starboard. Largely as a result of this heroic action the fire inside the hangar was extinguished with minimum damage. Signalman First Class Archiberque’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.