The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Shipfitter Hale T. McCulley, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action during the attack on the Light Cruiser U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), by Japanese enemy bombers on 4 February 1942. Following a bomb explosion, Chief Shipfitter McCulley led a party throughout the forward section evacuating flooding magazines. He proceeded to the sick bay area, where he brought all fires under control. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.