The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Everett Hartwell Steinmetz (NSN: 0-74958), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CREVALLE (SS-291), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 May 1945 to 5 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Sea of Japan. With great daring, fully aware of the perils involved in completing this hitherto un-attempted undertaking, Commander Steinmetz penetrated strong anti-submarine mine barriers and entered supposedly inviolable enemy waters. With exceptional skill and aggressiveness he attacked the enemy at every opportunity and sank four enemy ships, including a valuable combatant unit, and two small craft, for a total of approximately 9,000 tons. At the expiration of the time to be spent in the area he made his exit through heavily mined and patrolled waters and brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was in inspiration to his officers, his men and to the entire Submarine Service, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.