The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Watertender E. A. Chenault, United States Navy, for meritorious conduct during an accident sustained by the U.S.S. BARNEGAT on 21 February 1918. Water Tender Chenault, a member of the engine-room force, was in the fireroom three minutes after the accident, which was flooded with escaping steam, and had the fires pulled.