The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Gunner’s Mate Andrew Copassaki, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in Command of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Moreni; especially for very prompt action engaging enemy submarine at 4 a. m. 12 June 1917. The ship, upon attack, was soon in flames, but the crew continued to fight although outranged until driven to boats by flames. The Moreni was hit 45 times. The crew was cheered by Germans for their plucky fight.