The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Oscar Lee English (NSN: 349979), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378), during the battle to the northward of Santa Cruz Island, on 26 October 1942. While being subjected to a determined enemy aerial attack, Boatswain’s Mate First Class English, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and with conspicuous intrepidity, entered a burning compartment, removed and jettisoned powder, thereby contributing to the safety of his ship and enabling her to continue in action against the enemy. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.