The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Machinist’s Mate Charles Henry Vaughn, Jr. (NSN: 3808329), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving aboard the YP-346, in action on 9 September 1942, when that vessel was attacked by enemy surface craft off the coast of Tulagi in the Solomon Islands. During the attack Chief Machinist’s Mate Vaughn was on duty in the engine room as Chief Engineer of that vessel and she received a hit in the engine room. He went on deck to report to the bridge and upon his arrival there learned that the bridge was shot away and was informed that the Commanding Officer had been killed. He summarized the situation and remarked that the only thing to do was to beach the vessel. As he made this remark, Private First Class Gerard B. Nevle, USMC, immediately went to the remains of the bridge upon his own initiative and assumed charge of the wheel, bringing the ship under control and steered a course for the beach. Private First Class Nevle left the bridge and went below to minister the injuries of the sounded Gunner’s Mate. The ship again lost its course; Private First Class Nevle returned to the bridge and although the sheel contained only three broken spokes he brought the ship back under control and steered her onto the beach. He then swam ashore with the injured sailor, left the sailor on the beach and swam back to the ship and assisted in removing the remainder of the personnel of the ship. During the time of the above attack, Private First Class John J. Murphy, USMC, went to the engine room of the Y-346 and although the regular members of the crew had left the engine room after the hit received therein, Private First Class Murphy worked with Chief Machinist’s Mate Vaughn, assisting invaluably in securing the ammonia system and assisting him as directed. The above important factors were reported because it was felt by Chief Machinist’s Mate Vaughn that the action of these two Marines in taking over duties of the sailors during this attack, made possible the beaching of the YP)-346 and the saving of the lives of the majority of the crew thereon. Their action was entirely upon their own initiative and at great risk of their own lives. The Commanding Officer of the YP-346 was evacuated from the area as a casualty. Chief Machinist’s Mate Vaughn’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.