The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Gunner’s Mate Joseph E. Reiter, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of the Armed Guard of the S.S. Paulsboro, and in two engagements with enemy submarines. On 25 February 1918, at night, a torpedo was sighted, but by quick maneuvering, it missed the ship. Six shots were fired at the submarine, which then disappeared. On 1 March 1918, a submarine was sighted, and an engagement followed, lasting fifty minutes. The ship was struck several times. Several shots from the ship struck close to the submarine, which then disappeared.