Dec 25, 1937

U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO

SOUTH PACIFIC FORCE

OF THE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER

          In the name of the President of the United states, the Commander South Pacific area and South Pacific Force, takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

MAX M. ARCHIBEQUE, SEAMAN FIRST CLASS, 372 04 08, UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

          CITATION:

"For extraordinary heroism, while serving on board the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO, in the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on November 12 and 13, 1942.  After an enemy plane had crashed into the after machine gun platform and started a large fire, ARCHIBEQUE, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, ably assisted in leading a hose to the top of turret III, and although this turret was firing, he effectively fought the fire while facing the terrific  blast.  During the night action while under heavy and accurate enemy fire he gallantly assisted in leading a hose into the starboard hangar door in the face of terrific blast from turret III then firing to starboard.  Largely as result of his heroic action the fire inside the hangar was extinguished with minimum damage.  His performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.

W.F. HALSEY,                         

Admiral U.S. Navy                    

Temporary Citation

CERTIFIED TO BE A TRUE COPY:

J.C. WEEMS,

Ship's Clerk, U.S. Navy

Signed  Feb. 13, 1943

           The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

MAX M. ARCHIBEQUE, SEAMAN FIRST CLASS, 372, 04 08, UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For extraordinary heroism, while serving on board the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area on November 12 and 13, 1942.  When a hostile plane crashed into the after machine gun platform and set up a raging blaze, ARCHIBEQUE, with alert presence of mind and courageous initiative, helped lead a fire hose to the top of Turret 3 where, although the turret was firing, he effectively fought the flames while facing a terrific blast.  During the night action, still under heavy bombardment, he gallantly assisted in the fire inside with minimum damage.  His conscientious devotion to duty and utter disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

For the President,

FRANK KNOX

Secretary of the the Navy

He was also a great athlete as well, having won the Golden Glove Championship for his weight class, as well as the State of Colorado Basketball Championship while in high school.  He set several records while attending school in Dolores Colorado attending Dolores High School, graduating in 1937.

He was laid to rest in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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