The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Watertender First Class Clarence Hencey (NSN: 3821715), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a member of the crew of the Destroyer U.S.S. PHELPS (DD-360), during operations against the enemy at Saipan Island. On 18 June 1944, the fireroom of which he was in charge, was hit and damaged by an enemy shore battery. In almost complete darkness and with the fireroom filled with smoke and escaping super-heated steam, he, while suffering from painful wounds, courageously and effectively directed the securing of fuel oil and feed water to the boilers, before being forced to abandon the fireroom thus preventing any further damage to either material or personnel that would have otherwise resulted. His actions contributed materially to keeping his ship in action and successfully completing its mission. His personal courage, determination and exemplary leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.