"For gallantry and intrepidity during the battle off the _______ on _______, when the Task Group of which his ship was a part engaged a superior enemy _______force twice its size, for a period of three hours and twenty-five minutes. Throughout the engagement, Commander Bitler as Executive Officer of a heavy cruiser proceeded from one damage area to another, in utter disregard of his own safety, and continuously supervised the progress of damage control. His calm attitude, his wide knowledge of damage control procedures and methods, absolute fearlessness and disregard of his own safety were a source of strength and confidence to all with whom he came in contact; and his reports to the Commanding Officer during the action, on the extent of damage and condition of the ship greatly assisted the Commanding Officer in making decisions and in fighting his ship. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy

Commander James T. Brewer, U. S. Naval Reserve for service as set forth in the following Citation is awarded the Silver Star Medal.

"For gallantry and intrepidity during the battle off the _____ on _____, in which the Task Group of which his ship was a part, engaged a superior enemy force of twice its size for a period of three hours and twenty-five minutes. Commander Brewer, as Gunner Officer of a heavy cruiser, had so organized his department that with fifty percent replacements, over half of whom were in their first ship, was able, within fifteen days of leaving the yard, to inflict heavy damage upon the enemy forces. From his station on the Flying Bridge, under heavy gunfire from two heavy cruisers, he coolly directed the fire of his batteries, inflicting severe damage on enemy ships. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy

"For meritorious conduct during the engagement with a superior enemy force, in a three and on-half hour engagement, off the ______. While patrolling his part of the ship, during the heaviest part of the action and while the ship was the objective of heavy enemy fire, he discovered a partially flooded compartment and with complete disregard to his own safety entered the darkened compartment, dogged down the hatch above him and proceeded to investigate and isolate the damage. By his fearlessness and prompt, courageous action in entering the flooded compartment, without assistance and protection, further flooding of the larger compartment was prevented. Later during the action he traced out and repaired a damaged compressed air line to the smoke generator. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy
Permanent Citation

"For meritorious conduct in his duties as quartermaster in charge of the after steering station of a heavy cruiser, throughout a three hour and twenty-five minute engagement against a superior ____ force off ______. When casualties required the shifting of steering to auxiliary steering motor, Wolf, by quick thinking and initiative and rapid shifting, although the steering engine room was in total darkness and subject to intense vibrations from high speed and shock from own gunfire and near misses, enabled steering control to be regained immediately. He kept the Captain fully informed of steering conditions at all times, and carried out orders to the wheel promptly and accurately, thus contributing markedly to his ship's success in effecting timely maneuvers. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy
Permanent Citation

"For meritorious conduct in a heavy cruiser during the engagement of the vessel against a superior enemy force off the _____. He was in charge of an after handling room and magazine crew. After about two and one-half hours of battle, the ammunition in his battery was almost exhausted. Orders had been given to transfer ammunition from the forward magazines for use in the after mounts. Still under fire and having to keep water-tight doors closed, congestion occurred in a compartment under which a shell hit had been received and the powder in that compartment was in danger. The men handling the powder were temporarily disorganized. Elam arrived and, although almost exhausted, he organized the men, removed the powder from danger, and stowed it below in record time with complete disregard of his own safety. This is considered one of the finest examples of spontaneous leadership. His conduct was at all times in keeping wit the highest traditions of the naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy
Permanent Citation

"For meritorious conduct as spotting officer of a heavy cruiser during operations of U. S. naval forces against superior enemy surface units off ____. Against an enemy completely alert and already shooting, Lt. Ramsey made observations that caused early damage to an enemy cruiser at a range of twenty thousand yards; and during the ensuing three hours or more, further damage to that and other ships. During part of the action, Lt. Ramsey's visibility was restricted by smoke pipe gases. Lt. Ramsey was charged wit the laborious duty of repair, upkeep and alignment. The excellent state of readiness of the main battery of his ship was evidenced by its outstanding performance in action. The conduct of Lt. Ramsey was at all times in keeping wit the highest traditions of the naval service."

s/ T. C. Kinkaid, Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy
Permanent Citation