While thus engaged, "Waterman" distinguished herself. On 17 February, an internal explosion ripped through the forward section of the oiler , leaving gaping holes in her bow and fires that raged over the forward part of the ship, endangering part of the cargo of volatile aviation gas. "Waterman" promptly left her screening station and was the first of two escorts to come alongside and lend a hand. She closed the endangered ship from one side while approached her from the other. The destroyer escort's repair parties, operating under extremely hazardous conditions, streamed thousands of gallons of water on "Patuxent"s blaze and finally extinguished it. For his part in directing the destroyer escort's effort, Lt. Comdr. J. H. Stahle, USNR, the ship's commanding officer, received the Bronze Star Medal.