CHARLES FREDERICK DONLEY, formerly Boatswain’s Mate, First Class, U.S. Navy. Awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as a member of the crew of a boat sent out from the U.S.S. Corona to the rescue of men from the U.S.S. Florence H. which vessel, loaded with explosives, was burned in the Harbor of Quiberon, on the night of April 17, 1918. Almost immediately after the outbreak of the fire, the water in the vicinity of the Florence H., was covered with burning powder boxes, many of which exploded, scattering flames throughout the wreckage. The crew of the Corona’s boats drove their boats into the burning mass without thought of danger to themselves, and, assisted by boats from other ships present in the Harbor, succeeded in saving the lives of many men, who, but for the help so promptly and herodically extended, must have perished in the wreckage.

Companion Donley enlisted on October 12, 1912, and was discharged on October 16, 1916, having served on the U.S.S. Arkansas at Vera Cruz. From the enlisted reserve he was recalled for active duty on May 4, 1917 and served until April 17, 1921.

Mr. Donley joined the Army and Navy Legion of Valor in 1944 and resided in New York.