The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Wilford H. Pardee, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in Command of the Armed Guard of the steamship S.S. WESTOIL. WESTOIL was attacked by a submarine. A torpedo was fired and missed. The submarine opened fire; fire was returned by WESTOIL and after 15 rounds of ammunition fired the submarine submerged.