ALBERT W. BRUNELLE, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Naval Reserve. For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a member of the crew of PT 493 when it attacked a Japanese Destroyer in Surigao Strait, Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. During his ship’s retirement from the attack, Brunelle was on watch in the engine room when Japanese 4.7” shells twice passed through his compartment. Many items of machinery were wrecked, including the auxiliary generator, and a large hole was blown in the side of his ship below the water line. In utter disregard for his own personal safety, he took off his own life jacket and stuffed it into the hole in an attempt to stem the inrushing water. He made emergency repairs upon the machinery which enabled the boat, though apparently in a helpless condition, to maintain its course and escape from the enemy. His magnificent efforts, under the severest of conditions undoubtedly saved the lives of those on board who survived the enemy shelling. His conduct was an inspiration to all hands and in accordance with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Mr. Brunelle resides in Massachusetts.