The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to VERNARD EUGENE BIVIN, S1C USN
for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For extraordinary heroism while serving aboard the USS SALT LAKE CITY during action against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific on the night of October 11-12, 1942. Although mortally wounded, BIVIN continued at his post as trainer on a broadside gun until a lull in the battle, performing his duties so well that the other members of his gun crew did not know he had been injured. Even as he collapsed, he was still trying to keep his pointers matched and his gun firing without cessation. His great courage and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in defense of his country."

For the President,
(signed) Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.