The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign James Woodrow Wyrick (NSN: 0-123397), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in the line of his profession while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 15 October 1942, in the Solomon Islands. As the Officer in Charge of a detail of men sent to fight fires, Ensign Wyrick displayed outstanding qualities of courage, leadership, and coolness in action. He was stationed in the director reserve when the ship sustained serious fires. Voluntarily proceeding to the scene of the fires to determine the damage and to render assistance, he was assigned the hazardous task of disposing of the remaining unburned powder and unexploded shells on the burning gun gallery. He personally investigated the powder and shell stowages while the fires were still raging, and then organized and led a group of men in disposing of the ammunition. His determined and intelligent action removed a source of great danger to the ship and was accomplished in the face of grave risk or injury or destruction to himself. His conduct on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.