The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Seaman James T. Connolly, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on the occasion of the torpedoing of and the explosion on the U.S.S. CASSIN on 15 October 1917. Seaman Connolly, with other members of the crew, was untiring in his work of shoring up bulk heads, restaying masts, and improvising means of towing. He set an example to the younger and less experienced members of the crew.