Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) Estill L. Rice, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the lines of his profession while serving on the U.S.S. NICHOLSON on 16 October 1917, when that vessel went to the rescue of the steamer S.S. J. L. LUCKENBACH, which had been attacked by gunfire from an enemy submarine. Dr. Rice went to the LUCKENBACH and remained on board to attend to a number of seriously wounded men. During the night, the LUCKENBACH separated from the convoy, and Dr. Rice not only assisted and advised her Captain, but was materially responsible for the safe arrival of the vessel in port. Later he had charge of the Naval Dispensary near Bordeaux, France, where he organized and administered under most trying and difficult conditions, displaying exceptional ability far above the average.

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