For extraordinary heroism and outstanding devotion to duty while serving as commander of the Armed Guard Crew aboard the tanker S.S. CITIES SERVICE MISSOURI when that ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea on the night of March 12, 1943. Proceeding aft to take his station with the gun crew after the first torpedo had struck the vessel. Lieutenant (junior grade) Feeney was suddenly hurled into the air by the force of a second torpedo hit. Falling back on the guardrail he fractured his spine and crushed the roots of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of the lower part of his body and his legs. Despite the incapacity of this injury, and with heroic courage, Lieutenant (junior grade) Feeney dragged himself to the bridge, where he manned the phones to the battery and continued directing the fire of the gun until the crew reported that the ammunition had been rendered ineffectual by water, and the order to abandon ship was given. His exemplary conduct and valiant leadership were an inspiration to his associates and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.