The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Fireman Second Class John Barth Vaessen, United States Naval Reserve, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Target Ship U.S.S. UTAH (AG-16), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Although realizing that his ship, the U.S.S. UTAH, was capsizing, Fireman Second Class Vaessen remained at his post at the forward distribution board after word had been passed to abandon ship, and kept the lights burning as long as possible. Trapped, he later was rescued through a hole cut in the bottom of the capsized target ship. The conduct of Fireman Second Class Vaessen throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.