Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Scamp (SS-277)

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1943

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 323 (February 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Wilbert William Dalwitz (NSN: 3377848), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving aboard U.S.S. SCAMP (SS-277), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during a heavy depth charging on 18 September 1943. When a hull fitting carried away, allowing a large stream of water under great pressure to enter the ship, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Dalwitz threw himself against the stream of water and through a superhuman effort reached the valve which would stop the flow. He managed to shut the valve, thereby preventing serious flooding and the possible loss of U.S.S. SCAMP and her crew. The conduct of Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Dalwitz throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.