The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Shipfitter First Class Douglas Botts (NSN: 2016132), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 15 October 1942. While a raging fire was in progress on the gun gallery, Shipfitter First Class Botts proceeded to that area and threw overboard hot unexploded shells and unburned powder charges, thereby preventing the explosion of this ammunition and consequent damage to the ship. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued his search for other ammunition and persisted in his task of combating fire. His exceptional courage and determined actions removed a serious threat of damage to the ship and aided materially in bringing the fire under control. Shipfitter First Class Botts’ conduct on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.