The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Metalsmith First class Martin Moran, 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. When the steering engine room was wrecked, Metalsmith First Class Moran, despite being surrounded by electrical fires, worked to free the jammed rudder and to lock it amidships.