The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Seaman William E. Burch, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service rendered when the U.S.S. WILLIAM ROCKEFELLER was sunk by a torpedo on the night of 18 May 1918. Seaman Burch remained at his station until the ship was so far down at the stern end that the guns could not be manned. Burch went to the magazines, opened the same, and stood by until called to see that ammunition was sent to the guns.