Text of the Presidential Unit Citation
For outstanding achievement in completing the first voyage in history
across the top of the world, by cruising under the Arctic ice cap from the
Bering Strait to the Greenland Sea. During the period 22 July 1958 to 5
August 1958, U.S.S. NAUTILUS, the world's first atomic powered ship,
added to her list of historic achievements by crossing the Arctic Ocean
from the Bering Sea to the Greenland Sea, passing submerged beneath the
geographic North Pole. This voyage opens the possibility of a new
commercial seaway, a Northwest Passage, between the major oceans of
the world. Nuclear powered cargo submarines may, in the future, use this
route to the advantage of world trade.
The skill, professional competency and courage of the officers and
crew of NAUTILUS were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
Armed Forces of the United States and the pioneering spirit which has
always characterized our country.
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