The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Machinist’s Mate First Class Joseph Greely, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as member of a demolition party attached to the U.S.S. BRANT (ARS-32), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Assigned the extremely dangerous task of cutting through an enemy obstruction in order that the U.S.S. DALLAS could navigate up the Sebou River, Machinist’s Mate First Class Greely and his shipmates, on the night of 9 November proceeded with grim determination toward their objective. Despite the treacherous surf, he and his comrades skillfully and courageously accomplished their hazardous mission of cutting the cables at the mouth of the river, just as guns from the French fort opened fire. Countering the enemy’s attack until out of range, Machinist’s Mate First Class Greely and the other members of his party, in spite of enormous breakers which battered their boat and washed one of the machine guns overboard, finally brought her back to safety. His throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.