The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Howard P. McCarstle, Jr. (MCSN: 324043), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving aboard the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. When the 20-mm. stowage room adjacent to his battle station caught fire shortly after the action began, Private First Class McCarstle, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, unhesitatingly flung open the door and rushed into the midst of exploding ammunition in order to remove boxes and magazines to a safe position. Although he was severely burned about the face and hands and suffered many gunshot wounds, he was successful in preventing a disastrous spread of fire. His gallant initiative, maintained above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.