The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting Legion of Merit (Fourth Degree) to Chief Watertender Hubert Allen Brewster (NSN: 3557722), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States on 25 May 1942. Chief Watertender Brewster was in the after fireroom when the torpedo struck. He immediately secured the steaming fireroom from top-side at the order “prepare to abandon ship.” During the subsequent lighting off and getting underway operations his coolness and outstanding leadership were largely responsible for the confidence and calmness with which his men manned their stations in places of extreme personal danger. While securing the steaming fireroom, Chief Watertender Brewster extinguished with a blanket a small fire in the galley which was caused by fuel oil dropping on the hot range. By his timely action Chief Watertender Brewster most probably prevented a disastrous fire as the ship was drenched with fuel oil. Chief Watertender Brewster’s courage, unfaltering devotion to duty and fine example was inspiring to other men and far beyond the call of duty.