“For extremely meritorious service in support of military operations during the invasion of Sicily and off Ligeta, Gela and Salerno, from July 9 to August 25 and from September 9 to 15, 1943; in the Oran Area, December 16, 1943; off Anzio, Italy, from January 21 to February 17, 1944; and off the coast of Southern France, from August 15 to September 23, 1944, and from October 21 to November 28, 1944. Engaged in numerous shore bombardments on enemy coastal defenses and in providing fire support for our amphibious landings in scattered Mediterranean Areas, the U.S.S. WOOLSEY repeatedly penetrated hazardous mine-infested waters and despite frequent hostile counter-battery fire, delivering devastating barrages, accounting for the destruction of an enemy railway battery, gun emplacements and tank concentrations. Vigilant and relentless in covering her assigned areas, she contacted and tracked down the U-73 without the assistance of aircraft and, dropping but one pattern of depth charges, crippled the undersea craft and finished it off by gunfire. The WOOLSEY’s inspiring combat achievements exemplify the superb teamwork and indomitable fighting spirit of her officers and men and reflect the highest credit upon herself and the United States Naval Service.”