Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor, Naval Air Stations, U.S. Navy

Awarded for:

Operation Z (1941)

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign D. Arnold Singleton, United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Fuel Officer of the Naval Air Station, Ford Island, during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Ensign Singleton had just completed fueling the station from U.S.S. NEOSHO which was moored at the gasoline dock, and was taking back suction to clean the lines when the first aerial attack started. Although under fire from the enemy, he continued with his duty, directing the removal of the hoses which enabled the U.S.S. NEOSHO to leave her berth, and personally supervised the opening of the sprinkler valves on the fuel tanks thereby rendering the gasoline supply of the station secure. Upon completion of these duties, despite very severe enemy bombing and strafing of the station, he turned his efforts to assisting in caring for the wounded men that were arriving at the station. The conduct of Ensign Singleton throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."