Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Coxswain Carl H. Kerske, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Coxswain Kerske was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. Though wounded, he remained at his post of duty until ammunition was expended and the order was given to abandon ship, giving up his own life jacket to a civilian. He then assisted in carrying the seriously wounded from the ship and transporting them overland for six miles to a hospital. The conduct of Coxswain Kerske throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Coxswain Carl H. Kerske, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Coxswain Kerske was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. Though wounded, he remained at his post of duty until ammunition was expended and the order was given to abandon ship, giving up his own life jacket to a civilian. He then assisted in carrying the seriously wounded from the ship and transporting them overland for six miles to a hospital. The conduct of Coxswain Kerske throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Coxswain Carl H. Kerske, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Coxswain Kerske was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. Though wounded, he remained at his post of duty until ammunition was expended and the order was given to abandon ship, giving up his own life jacket to a civilian. He then assisted in carrying the seriously wounded from the ship and transporting them overland for six miles to a hospital. The conduct of Coxswain Kerske throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Coxswain Carl H. Kerske, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Coxswain Kerske was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. Though wounded, he remained at his post of duty until ammunition was expended and the order was given to abandon ship, giving up his own life jacket to a civilian. He then assisted in carrying the seriously wounded from the ship and transporting them overland for six miles to a hospital. The conduct of Coxswain Kerske throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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