The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) Thirl E. Jarrett, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer with the FIRST Marine Division Field Hospital at Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, during an attack by Japanese forces on 13 October 1942. While the field hospital was being subjected to heavy gunfire by enemy surface vessels, Lieutenant Jarrett, with complete disregard for his own life, tirelessly and patiently attended the wounded, rendering every possible aid for their comfort and safety. His skill, courage and his deep sense of responsibility for those entrusted to his professional care were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.