The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander (MC) Corydon McAlmont Wassell (NSN: 0-42807), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as a Medical Officer to wounded men of the U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), at a Field Hospital in Java, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Java Sea on or about 1 March 1942. Lieutenant Commander Wassell disregarded personal safety while caring for and evacuating wounded under his charge in Java, Netherlands East Indies, under extremely hazardous and trying conditions. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Wassell saved many lives. His professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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