Battles of the Java Sea, Dutch East
Indies
4
to 27 February 1942 - *ROOKS, ALBERT HAROLD, Captain,
U.S. Navy
Citation: for
extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, gallantry
in action and distinguished service in the line of
his profession, as commanding officer
of the U.S.S. Houston (heavy
cruiser) during the period 4 to 27 February
1942, while in action with superior Japanese enemy
aerial and surface forces. While proceeding to attack
an enemy amphibious expedition, as a unit in a mixed
force, Houston was heavily attacked by bombers; after
evading four attacks, she was heavily hit in a fifth
attack, lost 60 killed and had one turret wholly
disabled. Capt. Rooks made his ship again seaworthy
and sailed within three days to escort an important
reinforcing convoy from Darwin to Koepang, Timor,
Netherlands East Indies. While so engaged, another
powerful air attack developed which by Houston's
marked efficiency was fought off without much damage
to the convoy. The commanding general of all forces
in the area thereupon canceled the movement and Capt.
Rooks escorted the convoy back to Darwin. Later,
while in a considerable American-British-Dutch force
engaged with an overwhelming force of Japanese
surface ships, Houston with H.M.S. Exeter carried the
brunt of the battle, and her fire alone heavily
damaged one and possibly two heavy cruisers. Although
heavily damaged in the actions, Capt. Rooks succeeded
in disengaging his ship when the flag officer
commanding broke off the action and got her safely
away from the vicinity, whereas one-half of the
cruisers were lost
(Two Dutch cruisers were lost;
no Japanese cruisers were sunk).
Raid on Rabaul, Bismarck
Archipelago, South West Pacific
20
February 1942 - O'HARE, EDWARD HENRY, Lieutenant, U.S.
Navy
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial
combat, at grave risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty, as section leader and
pilot of Fighting Squadron 3 on 20
February 1942. Having lost the assistance of his
teammates, Lt. O'Hare interposed his plane between
his ship (USS Lexington, carrier) and an
advancing enemy formation of 9 attacking twin-engine
heavy bombers. Without hesitation, alone and unaided,
he repeatedly attacked this enemy formation, at close
range in the face of intense combined machinegun and
cannon fire. Despite this concentrated opposition,
Lt. O'Hare, by his gallant and courageous action, his
extremely skillful marksmanship in making the most of
every shot of his limited amount of ammunition, shot
down five enemy bombers and severely damaged a sixth
before they reached the bomb release point. As a
result of his gallant action--one of the most daring,
if not the most daring, single action in the history
of combat aviation--he undoubtedly saved his carrier
from serious damage.
The Doolittle Raid on Japan
18
April 1942 - DOOLITTLE, JAMES H., Brigadier General, U.S.
Army Air Corps.
Citation: For
conspicuous leadership above the call of duty,
involving personal valor and intrepidity at an
extreme hazard to life. With the apparent certainty
of being forced to land in enemy territory or to
perish at sea, Gen. Doolittle personally led a
squadron of Army bombers, manned by volunteer crews,
in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese
mainland.
Prisoner-of-War of the Japanese,
Dutch East Indies
April
1942 - ANTRIM, RICHARD NOTT, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty while
interned as a prisoner of war of the
enemy Japanese in the city of Makassar,
Celebes, Netherlands East Indies, in April
1942. Acting instantly on behalf of a naval officer
who was subjected to a vicious clubbing by a frenzied
Japanese guard venting his insane wrath upon the
helpless prisoner, Comdr. (then Lt.) Antrim boldly
intervened, attempting to quiet the guard and finally
persuading him to discuss the charges against the
officer. With the entire Japanese force assembled and
making extraordinary preparations for the threatened
beating, and with the tension heightened by 2,700
Allied prisoners rapidly closing in, Comdr. Antrim
courageously appealed to the fanatic enemy, risking
his own life in a desperate effort to mitigate the
punishment. When the other had been beaten
unconscious by 15 blows of a hawser and was
repeatedly kicked by three soldiers to a point beyond
which he could not survive, Comdr. Antrim gallantly
stepped forward and indicated to the perplexed guards
that he would take the remainder of the punishment,
throwing the Japanese completely off balance in their
amazement and eliciting a roar of acclaim from the
suddenly inspired Allied prisoners. By his fearless
leadership and valiant concern for the welfare of
another, he not only saved the life of a fellow
officer and stunned the Japanese into sparing his own
life but also brought about a new respect for
American officers and men and a great improvement in
camp living conditions. His heroic conduct throughout
reflects the highest credit upon Comdr. Antrim and
the U.S. Naval Service.
Battle of Coral Sea, South West
Pacific
4
to 8 May 1942 - *POWERS, JOHN JAMES, Lieutenant, U.S.
Navy
Citation: For
distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty, while pilot of an
airplane of Bombing Squadron 5, Lt.
Powers participated, with his squadron, in five
engagements with Japanese forces in the Coral Sea
area and adjacent waters during the period 4 to 8 May
1942. Three attacks were made on enemy objectives at
or near Tulagi on 4 May. In these attacks he scored a
direct hit which instantly demolished a large enemy
gunboat or destroyer (presumed to be destroyer
"Kikutsuki") and is credited with two
close misses, one of which severely damaged a large
aircraft tender, the other damaging a 20,000-ton
transport. He fearlessly strafed a gunboat, firing
all his ammunition into it amid intense antiaircraft
fire. This gunboat was then observed to be leaving a
heavy oil slick in its wake and later was seen
beached on a nearby island. On 7 May, an attack was
launched against an enemy airplane carrier and other
units of the enemy's invasion force. He fearlessly
led his attack section of three Douglas Dauntless
dive bombers, to attack the carrier. On this occasion
he dived in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire, to
an altitude well below the safety altitude, at the
risk of his life and almost certain damage to his own
plane, in order that he might positively obtain a hit
in a vital part of the ship, which would insure her
complete destruction. This bomb hit was noted by many
pilots and observers to cause a tremendous explosion
engulfing the ship in a mass of flame, smoke, and
debris. The ship (presumed to be
"Shoho") sank soon after. That
evening, in his capacity as Squadron Gunnery Officer, Lt. Powers gave a lecture to the
squadron on point-of-aim and diving technique. During
this discourse he advocated low release point in
order to insure greater accuracy; yet he stressed the
danger not only from enemy fire and the resultant low
pull-out, but from own bomb blast and bomb fragments.
Thus his low-dive bombing attacks were deliberate and
premeditated, since he well knew and realized the
dangers of such tactics, but went far beyond the call
of duty in order to further the cause which he knew
to be right. The next morning, 8 May, as the pilots
of the attack group left the ready room to man
planes, his indomitable spirit and leadership were
well expressed in his own words, "Remember the
folks back home are counting on us. I am going to get
a hit if one have to lay it on their flight deck.''
He led his section of dive bombers down to the target
from an altitude of 18,000 feet, through a wall of
bursting antiaircraft shells and into the face of
enemy fighter planes. Again, completely disregarding
the safety altitude and without fear or concern for
his safety, Lt. Powers courageously pressed home his
attack, almost to the very deck of an enemy carrier
and did not release his bomb until he was sure of a
direct hit. He was last seen attempting recovery from
his dive at the extremely low altitude of 200 feet,
and amid a terrific barrage of shell and bomb
fragments, smoke, flame and debris from the stricken
vessel.
7 May 1942 - *PETERSON, OSCAR
VERNER, Chief Watertender, U.S. Navy
Citation:
For extraordinary courage and conspicuous heroism
above and beyond the call of duty while in charge of
a repair party during an attack on the
U .S .S. Neosho
(tanker) by enemy
Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942. Lacking
assistance because of injuries to the other members
of his repair party and severely wounded himself,
Peterson, with no concern for his own life, closed
the bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received
additional burns which resulted in his death. His
spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic
of a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life in the service of his country.
7 and 8 May 1942 - HALL, WILLIAM E.,
Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Naval Reserve
Citation:
For extreme courage and conspicuous heroism in combat
above and beyond the call of duty as pilot of
a scouting plane in action against
enemy Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May
1942. In a resolute and determined attack on 7 May,
Lt. (j.g.) Hall dived his plane at an enemy Japanese
aircraft carrier ("Shoho"),
contributing materially to the destruction of that
vessel. On 8 May, facing heavy and fierce fighter
opposition, he again displayed extraordinary skill as
an airman and the aggressive spirit of a fighter in
repeated and effectively executed counterattacks
against a superior number of enemy planes in which
three enemy aircraft were destroyed. Though seriously
wounded in this engagement, Lt. (j.g.) Hall,
maintaining the fearless and indomitable tactics
pursued throughout these actions, succeeded in
landing his plane safe.
8 May 1942 - *RICKETTS, MILTON
ERNEST, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Citation:
For extraordinary and distinguished gallantry above
and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge
of the Engineering Repair Party of
the U.S.S. Yorktown (carrier)
in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle
of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. During the severe
bombarding of the Yorktown by enemy Japanese forces,
an aerial bomb passed through and exploded directly
beneath the compartment in which Lt. Ricketts' battle
station was located, killing, wounding or stunning
all of his men and mortally wounding him. Despite his
ebbing strength, Lt. Ricketts promptly opened the
valve of a near-by fireplug, partially led out the
fire hose and directed a heavy stream of water into
the fire before dropping dead beside the hose. His
courageous action, which undoubtedly prevented the
rapid spread of fire to serious proportions, and his
unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country. (
USS
Yorktown was badly damaged but repaired sufficiently
to take part in the Battle of Midway).
Battle of Midway, North Pacific
4
and 5 June 1942 - *FLEMING, RICHARD E., Captain, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve.
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty as Flight
Officer, Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241,
during action against enemy Japanese forces in the
battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. When his
Squadron Commander was shot down during the initial
attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Capt. Fleming
led the remainder of the division with such fearless
determination that he dived his own plane to the
perilously low altitude of 400 feet before releasing
his bomb. Although his craft was riddled by 179 hits
in the blistering hail of fire that burst upon him
from Japanese fighter guns and antiaircraft
batteries, he pulled out with only two minor wounds
inflicted upon himself. On the night of 4 June, when
the squadron commander lost his way and became
separated from the others, Capt. Fleming brought his
own plane in for a safe landing at its base despite
hazardous weather conditions and total darkness. The
following day, after less than four hours' sleep, he
led the second division of his squadron in a
coordinated glide-bombing and dive-bombing assault
upon a Japanese battleship (heavy cruiser
"Mikuma", shortly sunk). Undeterred by
a fateful approach glide, during which his ship was
struck and set afire, he grimly pressed home his
attack to an altitude of 500 feet, released his bomb
to score a near miss on the stern of his target, then
crashed to the sea in flames. His dauntless
perseverance and unyielding devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
Raid on Makin Island, Gilbert &
Ellice Islands, Central Pacific
17-18
August 1942 - *THOMASON, CLYDE, Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve
Citation: For
conspicuous heroism and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty during the Marine Raider
Expedition against the Japanese-held island
of Makin on 17-18 August 1942. Leading
the advance element of the assault echelon,
Sgt. Thomason disposed his men with keen judgment and
discrimination and, by his exemplary leadership and
great personal valor, exhorted them to like fearless
efforts. On one occasion, he dauntlessly walked up to
a house which concealed an enemy Japanese sniper,
forced in the door and shot the man before he could
resist. Later in the action, while leading an assault
on an enemy position, he gallantly gave his life in
the service of his country. His courage and loyal
devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in
keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
Battles for Gualdalcanal, Southern
Solomon Islands, South West Pacific
10
May to 14 November 1942 - *BAUER, HAROLD WILLIAM,
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as
Squadron Commander of Marine
Fighting Squadron 212 in the South Pacific
Area during the period 10 May to 14 November 1942.
Volunteering to pilot a fighter plane in defense of
our positions on Guadalcanal, Lt. Col. Bauer
participated in two air battles against enemy bombers
and fighters outnumbering our force more than 2 to 1,
boldly engaged the enemy and destroyed one Japanese
bomber in the engagement of 28 September and shot
down four enemy fighter planes in flames on 3
October, leaving a fifth smoking badly. After
successfully leading 26 planes on an over-water ferry
flight of more than 600 miles on 16 October, Lt. Col.
Bauer, while circling to land, sighted a squadron of
enemy planes attacking the U.S.S. McFarland (destroyer).
Undaunted by the formidable opposition and with valor
above and beyond the call of duty, he engaged the
entire squadron and, although alone and his fuel
supply nearly exhausted, fought his plane so
brilliantly that four of the Japanese planes were
destroyed before he was forced down by lack of fuel.
His intrepid fighting spirit and distinctive ability
as a leader and an airman, exemplified in his
splendid record of combat achievement, were vital
factors in the successful operations in the South
Pacific Area.
August-September
1942 - SMITH, JOHN LUCIAN, Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in
aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty as commanding
officer of Marine Fighting Squadron
223 during operations against enemy Japanese
forces in the Solomon Islands area, August-September
1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and
daring attacks, Maj. Smith led his squadron against a
determined force, greatly superior in numbers,
personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between
21 August and 15 September 1942. In spite of the
limited combat experience of many of the pilots of
this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a
total of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period,
mainly attributable to the thorough training under
Maj. Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring
leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting
spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the
men of his command not only rendered the enemy's
attacks ineffective and costly to Japan, but
contributed to the security of our advance base. His
loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and
enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
7
August to 9 December 1942 - VANDEGRIFT, ALEXANDER ARCHER,
Major General, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation: For
outstanding and heroic accomplishment above and
beyond the call of duty as commanding officer
of the 1st Marine Division in
operations against enemy Japanese forces in the
Solomon Islands during the period 7 August to 9
December 1942. With the adverse factors of weather,
terrain, and disease making his task a difficult and
hazardous undertaking, and with his command
eventually including sea, land, and air forces of
Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Vandegrift
achieved marked success in commanding the initial
landings of the U.S. forces in the Solomon Islands
and in their subsequent occupation. His tenacity,
courage, and resourcefulness prevailed against a
strong, determined, and experienced enemy, and the
gallant fighting spirit of the men under his
inspiring leadership enabled them to withstand
aerial, land, and sea bombardment, to surmount all
obstacles, and leave a disorganized and ravaged
enemy. This dangerous but vital mission, accomplished
at the constant risk of his life, resulted in
securing a valuable base for further operations of
our forces against the enemy, and its successful
completion reflects great credit upon Maj. Gen.
Vandegrift, his command, and the U.S. Naval Service.
12-13
September 1942 - *BAILEY, KENNETH D., Major, U.S. Marine
Corps
Citation: For
extraordinary courage and heroic conduct above and
beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer
of Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion,
during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field,
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 12-13 September
1942. Completely reorganized following the severe
engagement of the night before, Maj. Bailey's
company, within an hour after taking its assigned
position as reserve battalion between the main line
and the coveted airport, was threatened on the right
flank by the penetration of the enemy into a gap in
the main line. In addition to repulsing this threat,
while steadily improving his own desperately held
position, he used every weapon at his command to
cover the forced withdrawal of the main line before a
hammering assault by superior enemy forces. After
rendering invaluable service to the battalion
commander in stemming the retreat, reorganizing the
troops and extending the reverse position to the
left, Maj. Bailey, despite a severe head wound,
repeatedly led his troops in fierce hand-to-hand
combat for a period of 10 hours. His great personal
valor while exposed to constant and merciless enemy
fire, and his indomitable fighting spirit inspired
his troops to heights of heroic endeavor which
enabled them to repulse the enemy and hold Henderson
Field. He gallantly gave his life in the service of
his country.
13/14
September 1942 - EDSON, MERRITT AUSTIN, Colonel, U.S.
Marine Corps
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding
Officer of the 1st Marine Raider
Battalion, with Parachute Battalion
attached, during action against enemy Japanese forces
in the Solomon Islands on the night of 13/14
September 1942. After the airfield on Guadalcanal had
been seized from the enemy on 8 August, Col. Edson,
with a force of 800 men, was assigned to the
occupation and defense of a ridge dominating the
jungle on either side of the airport. Facing a
formidable Japanese attack which, augmented by
infiltration, had crashed through our front lines,
he, by skillful handling of his troops, successfully
withdrew his forward units to a reserve line with
minimum casualties. When the enemy, in a subsequent
series of violent assaults, engaged our force in
desperate hand-to-hand combat with bayonets, rifles,
pistols, grenades, and knives, Col. Edson, although
continuously exposed to hostile fire throughout the
night, personally directed defense of the reserve
position against a fanatical foe of greatly superior
numbers. By his astute leadership and gallant
devotion to duty, he enabled his men, despite severe
losses, to cling tenaciously to their position on the
vital ridge, thereby retaining command not only of
the Guadalcanal airfield, but also of the 1st
Division's entire offensive installations in the
surrounding area.
27
September 1942 - *MUNRO, DOUGLAS ALBERT, Signalman First
Class, U.S. Coast Guard
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry m
action above and beyond the call of duty as Petty
Officer in Charge of a group of 24
Higgins boats (wooden 36ft infantry
landing craft), engaged in the evacuation of a
battalion of marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces
at Point Cruz Guadalcanal, on 27 September 1942.
After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of
nearly 500 beleaguered marines, Munro, under constant
strafing by enemy machineguns on the island, and at
great risk of his life, daringly led five of his
small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach,
he signaled the others to land, and then in order to
draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded
boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its two
small guns as a shield between the beachhead and the
Japanese. When the perilous task of evacuation was
nearly completed, Munro was instantly killed by enemy
fire, but his crew, two of whom were wounded, carried
on until the last boat had loaded and cleared the
beach. By his outstanding leadership, expert
planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his
courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of
many who otherwise would have perished. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
9
October to 19 November 1942 - FOSS, JOSEPH JACOB,
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For
outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the
call of duty as executive officer of
Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in
almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to
19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23
Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that
their destruction was extremely probable. In
addition, during this period, he successfully led a
large number of escort missions, skillfully covering
reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as
well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added
three more enemy planes to his already brilliant
successes for a record of aerial combat achievement
unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an
approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led
his eight F-4F Marine planes and four Army P-38's
into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior
numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that
four Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers
were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His
remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and
indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors
in the defense of strategic American positions on
Guadalcanal.
24
and 25 October 1942 - BASILONE, JOHN, Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in
action against enemy Japanese forces, above and
beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on
24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering
at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone,
in charge of two sections of heavy machineguns,
fought valiantly to check the savage and determined
assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese
blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one
of Sgt. Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was
put out of action, leaving only two men able to carry
on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it
in action, then, under continual fire, repaired
another and personally manned it, gallantly holding
his line until replacements arrived. A little later,
with ammunition critically low and the supply lines
cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and
in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his
way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells
for his gunners, thereby contributing in large
measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese
regiment. His great personal valor and courageous
initiative were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
26
October 1942 - PAIGE, MITCHELL, Platoon Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in
action above and beyond the call of duty while
serving with a company of marines in
combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon
Islands on 26 October 1942. When the enemy broke
through the line directly in front of his position,
P/Sgt. Paige, commanding a machinegun section with
fearless determination, continued to direct the fire
of his gunners until all his men were either killed
or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of
Japanese shells, he fought with his gun and when it
was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to
gun, never ceasing his withering fire against the
advancing hordes until reinforcements finally
arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and
aggressively led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy
back and preventing a breakthrough in our lines. His
great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service.
1
November 1942 - CASAMENTO, ANTHONY, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th
Marines, 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal,
British Solomon Islands, in action against the enemy
Japanese forces on 1 November 1942. Serving as a
leader of a machine gun section, Corporal Casamento
directed his unit to advance along a ridge near the
Matanikau River where they engaged the enemy. He
positioned his section to provide covering fire for
two flanking units and to provide direct support for
the main force of his company which was behind him.
During the course of this engagement, all members of
his section were either killed or severely wounded
and he himself suffered multiple, grievous wounds.
Nonetheless, Corporal Casamento continued to provide
critical supporting fire for the attack and in
defense of his position. Following the loss of all
effective personnel, he set up, loaded, and manned
his unit's machine gun. tenaciously holding the enemy
forces at bay. Corporal Casamento single-handedly
engaged and destroyed one machine gun emplacement to
his front and took under fire the other emplacement
on the flank. Despite the heat and ferocity of the
engagement, he continued to man his weapon and
repeatedly repulsed multiple assaults by the enemy
forces, thereby protecting the flanks of the
adjoining companies and holding his position until
the arrival of his main attacking force. Corporal
Casamento's courageous fighting spirit, heroic
conduct, and unwavering dedication to duty reflected
great credit upon himself and were in keeping with
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.
Naval Battles of Cape Esperance and
Guadalcanal, SW Pacific
11/12
October and 12/13 November 1942 - *SCOTT, NORMAN, Rear
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty during action
against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the
night of 11-12 October (Battle of Cape Esperance)
and again on the night of 12-13 November 1942 (First
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal). In the earlier
action, intercepting a Japanese Task Force intent
upon storming our island positions and landing
reinforcements at Guadalcanal, Rear Adm. Scott (as
Flag Officer, Cruiser Task Force),
with courageous skill and superb coordination of the
units under his command, destroyed eight hostile
vessels and put the others to flight. Again
challenged, a month later, by the return of a
stubborn and persistent foe, he led his force into a
desperate battle against tremendous odds, directing
close-range operations against the invading enemy
until he himself was killed in the furious
bombardment by their superior firepower. On each of
these occasions his dauntless initiative, inspiring
leadership and judicious foresight in a crisis of
grave responsibility contributed decisively to the
rout of a powerful invasion fleet and to the
consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese
offensive. He gallantly gave his life in the service
of his country.
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, SW
Pacific
12/13
November 1942 - *CALLAGHAN, DANIEL JUDSON, Rear Admiral,
U.S. Navy
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty during action
against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the
night of 12-13 November 1942. Although out-balanced
in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined
enemy, Rear Adm. Callaghan (as Flag
Officer, Cruiser Task Force),
with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination
of the units under his command, led his forces into
battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing
decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet,
and to the consequent frustration of a formidable
Japanese offensive. While faithfully directing
close-range operations in the face of furious
bombardment by superior enemy fire power, he was
killed on the bridge of his flagship. His courageous
initiative, inspiring leadership, and judicious
foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility were in
keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life in the defense of
his country.
12/13
November 1942 - *KEPPLER, REINHARDT JOHN, Boatswain's
Mate First Class, U.S. Navy
Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and distinguished courage above
and beyond the call of duty while serving aboard the
U.S.S. San Francisco (heavy cruiser)
during action against enemy Japanese forces in the
Solomon Islands, 12/13 November 1942. When a hostile
torpedo plane, during a daylight air raid, crashed on
the after machine-gun platform, Keppler promptly
assisted in removal of the dead and, by his capable
supervision of the wounded, undoubtedly helped save
the lives of several shipmates who otherwise might
have perished. That night, when the ship's hangar was
set afire during the great battle off Savo Island, he
bravely led a hose into the starboard side of the
stricken area and there, without assistance and
despite frequent hits from terrific enemy
bombardment, eventually brought the fire under
control. Later, although mortally wounded, he labored
valiantly in the midst of bursting shells,
persistently directing fire-fighting operations and
administering to wounded personnel until he finally
collapsed from loss of blood. His great personal
valor, maintained with utter disregard of personal
safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
12/13
November 1942 - McCANDLESS, BRUCE, Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and exceptionally distinguished
service above and beyond the call of duty as communication
officer of the U.S.S. San Francisco
in combat with enemy Japanese forces in the battle
off Savo Island, 12/13 November 1942. In the midst of
a violent night engagement, the fire of a determined
and desperate enemy seriously wounded Lt. Comdr.
McCandless and rendered him unconscious, killed or
wounded the admiral in command (Rear Admiral
Callaghan), his staff, the captain of the ship,
the navigator, and all other personnel on the
navigating and signal bridges. Faced with the lack of
superior command upon his recovery, and displaying
superb initiative, he promptly assumed command of the
ship and ordered her course and gunfire against an
overwhelmingly powerful force. With his superiors in
other vessels unaware of the loss of their admiral,
and challenged by his great responsibility, Lt.
Comdr. McCandless boldly continued to engage the
enemy and to lead our column of following vessels to
a great victory. Largely through his brilliant
seamanship and great courage, the San Francisco was
brought back to port, saved to fight again in the
service of her country.
12-13
November 1942 - SCHONLAND, HERBERT EMERY, Commander, U.S.
Navy,
Citation: For extreme
heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty
as damage control officer of the U.S.S.
San Francisco in action against greatly
superior enemy forces in the battle off Savo Island,
12-13 November 1942. In the same violent night
engagement in which all of his superior officers were
killed or wounded, Lt. Comdr. Schonland was fighting
valiantly to free the San Francisco of large
quantities of water flooding the second deck
compartments through numerous shell holes caused by
enemy fire. Upon being informed that he was
commanding officer, he ascertained that the conning
of the ship was being efficiently handled, then
directed the officer who had taken over that task to
continue while he himself resumed the vitally
important work of maintaining the stability of the
ship. In water waist deep, he carried on his efforts
in darkness illuminated only by hand lanterns until
water in flooded compartments had been drained or
pumped off and watertight integrity had again been
restored to the San Francisco. His great personal
valor and gallant devotion to duty at great peril to
his own life were instrumental in bringing his ship
back to port under her own power, saved to fight
again in the service of her country.
Air Operations including
Anti-Shipping, SW Pacific
5
September 1942, to 5 January 1943 - *WALKER, KENNETH N.,
Brigadier General, U.S. Army Air Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous leadership above and beyond the call of
duty involving personal valor and intrepidity at an
extreme hazard to life. As commander of
the 5th Bomber Command during the
period from 5 September 1942 to 5 January 1943, Brig.
Gen. Walker repeatedly accompanied his units on
bombing missions deep into enemy-held territory. From
the lessons personally gained under combat
conditions, he developed a highly efficient technique
for bombing when opposed by enemy fighter airplanes
and by antiaircraft fire. On 5 January 1943, in the
face of extremely heavy antiaircraft fire and
determined opposition by enemy fighters, he led an
effective daylight bombing attack against shipping in
the harbor at Rabaul, New Britain, which resulted in
direct hits on nine enemy vessels. During this action
his airplane was disabled and forced down by the
attack of an overwhelming number of enemy fighters.
Invasion of French North Africa,
Operation "Torch"
8
November 1942 - *CRAW, DEMAS T., Colonel, U.S. Army
Air Corps
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above
and beyond the call of duty. On 8 November 1942, near
Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Col.
Craw volunteered to accompany the leading
wave of assault boats to the shore and pass
through the enemy lines to locate the French
commander with a view to suspending hostilities. This
request was first refused as being too dangerous but
upon the officer's insistence that he was qualified
to undertake and accomplish the mission he was
allowed to go. Encountering heavy fire while in the
landing boat and unable to dock in the river because
of shell fire from shore batteries, Col. Craw,
accompanied by one officer and one soldier, succeeded
in landing on the beach at Mehdia Plage under
constant low-level strafing from three enemy planes.
Riding in a bantam truck toward French headquarters,
progress of the party was hindered by fire from our
own naval guns. Nearing Port Lyautey, Col. Craw was
instantly killed by a sustained burst of machinegun
fire at pointblank range from a concealed position
near the road.
8
November 1942 - WILBUR, WILLIAM H., Colonel, U.S. Army
Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above
and beyond the call of duty (attached
to Western Task Force, North
Africa). Col. Wilbur prepared the plan for making
contact with French commanders in Casablanca and
obtaining an armistice to prevent unnecessary
bloodshed. On 8 November 1942, he landed at Fedala
with the leading assault waves where opposition had
developed into a firm and continuous defensive line
across his route of advance. Commandeering a vehicle,
he was driven toward the hostile defenses under
incessant fire, finally locating a French officer who
accorded him passage through the forward positions.
He then proceeded in total darkness through 16 miles
of enemy-occupied country intermittently subjected to
heavy bursts of fire, and accomplished his mission by
delivering his letters to appropriate French
officials in Casablanca. Returning toward his
command, Col. Wilbur detected a hostile battery
firing effectively on our troops. He took charge of a
platoon of American tanks and personally led them in
an attack and capture of the battery. From the moment
of landing until the cessation of hostile resistance,
Col. Wilbur's conduct was voluntary and exemplary in
its coolness and daring.
Battles for the Solomon Islands, SW
Pacific
1942
- GALER, ROBERT EDWARD, Major, U.S. Marine Corps.
Citation: For
conspicuous heroism and courage above and beyond the
call of duty as leader of Marine
Fighter Sqdn. 244 in aerial combat with
enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area.
Leading his squadron repeatedly in daring and
aggressive raids against Japanese aerial forces,
vastly superior in numbers, Maj. Galer availed
himself of every favorable attack opportunity,
individually shooting down 11 enemy bomber and
fighter aircraft over a period of 29 days. Though
suffering the extreme physical strain attendant upon
protracted fighter operations at an altitude above
25,000 feet, the squadron under his zealous and
inspiring leadership shot down a total of 27 Japanese
planes. His superb airmanship, his outstanding skill
and personal valor reflect great credit upon Maj.
Galer's gallant fighting spirit and upon the U.S.
Naval Service.