The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Fireman First Class A. F. Hodges, United States Navy, for meritorious conduct during an accident sustained by the U.S.S. BARNEGAT on 21 February, 1918. Fireman First Class Hodges, 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.