The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Seaman First Class Herman Joseph Teeter, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as Senior Petty Officer aboard a Landing Craft which struck a mine and subsequently sank during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. As a result of the explosion, Seaman First Class Teeter was thrown clear of the ship. After landing in the water he swam back to the ship, climbed aboard, cut off the float nets, and directed the abandonment of the craft, all of the officers aboard having been thrown clear or being so sorely wounded as to be incapable of commanding the crew. Under his supervision, members of the crew took off various shipmates who had been wounded and aided the wounded men in the water clinging to the nets and rafts until help arrived. The conduct of Seaman First Class Teeter throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.