George D. Etcell’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

George Daniel Etcell

Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. While handling fires, flooding and damage control, Chief Shipfitter Etcell was ordered to determine whether a forward magazine group on his battleship, U.S.S. NEVADA, had been flooded. He unhesitatingly risked his life passing through hot water more than waist deep and heavy smoke in order to obtain the information. In this area he came upon an unconscious shipmate whom he carried to safety. The conduct of Chief Shipfitter Etcell throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.