Delaware Co. PAGenWeb Archives Military, World War II - Chief Engineer William DALTON, 1942 Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal Contributed to PAGenWeb Archives by Nancy Annie Odegard - Nurse73NAO@aol.com Copyright. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************* CHIEF ENGINEER WILLIAM DALTON - Distinguished Service Medal - 6 April 1942 The President of the United States Takes Pleasure in Presenting the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to WILLIAM DALTON Chief Engineer on MS Bidwell 4/06/1942 For heroism and meritorious service beyond the line of duty. When a torpedo struck the tanker in which he served, the explosion blew through the after deck. Cargo oil was ignited, enveloping that part of the ship in flames. Deck steam lines were ruptured, and the steering gear jammed in hard left position, causing the ship to circle at full speed. In this apparently hopeless situation most of the crew abandoned ship forward and others were preparing to launch a boat from the after deck. DALTON first shut off the steam from the broken lines. This enabled him to see the efforts of the remaining crew on the after deck. He ran aft through the fire and directed them to stand by the ship. With their aid, he stopped the engines and brought the fire under control. The emergency steering gear was then connected; the crew who had abandoned ship were picked up; and the ship successfully made port. His high courage and complete disregard of his own safety, so largely contributory to the salvage of his ship and the safety of her crew, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. For the President Admiral EMORY SCOTT LAND Chief Engineer William Dalton was from Yeadon, PA.