The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Seaman Robert Wesley Aldrich, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as member of the boat’s crew of the U.S.S. SULTANA at the time of the burning of the S.S. FLORENCE “H” on 17 April 1918. Almost immediately after the outbreak of the fire, the water in the vicinity of the FLORENCE H was covered with burning powder boxes, many of which exploded, scattering flames throughout the wreckage. The crews of the SULTANA’;s boats drove their boats into the burning mass without thought of danger to themselves, and, assisted by boats from the other ships present in the harbor, succeeded in saving the lives of many men, who, but for the help so promptly and heroically extended, must have perished in the wreckage.