The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Louis W. Freedman, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for distinguished and gallant conduct as Radio Operator of the Steamship Lewis Luckenbach on the occasion of an encounter with an enemy submarine on 11 October 1917. The radio antennae having been carried away by bursting shrapnel from the enemy, Ensign Freedman repaired this under fire and continued to maintain communication with the U.S.S. NICHOLSON until that vessel arrived and compelled the submarine to submerge.