The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Watertender George E. Fernandez, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the occasion of the collision of the U.S.S. SHAW with H.M.S. AQUITANIA when the Shaw was cut in two and set on fire. Water Tender Fernandez set a splendid example of efficiency, coolness, and indifference to danger, especially in taking part in throwing overboard ready ammunition piled on the deck of the Shaw within five feet of a blazing oil tank.