Radford at Tulagi with Helena survivors embarked, 6 July 1943.

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the


UNITED STATES SHIP RADFORD

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:


“For outstanding performance in action against enemy Japanese forces off Kolombangara Island, New Georgia Group, Solomon Islands, on the night of July 5–6, 1943. After waging a vigorous battle as part of the small Task Force which destroyed a superior Japanese surface force, the RADFORD remained behind with an accompanying destroyer to save the survivors of the torpedoed U.S.S. HELENA. Forced to clear the area on three occasions during rescue operations, she gallantly fought off continuing attacks by Japanese warships emerging from Kula Gulf and, with the other destroyer, sank or damaged an enemy light cruiser and two destroyers with deadly torpedo and gunfire, returning to the area after each onslaught to complete the heroic rescue of more than seven hundred survivors. The valorous achievements of the RADFORD reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.”



For the President,

/s/ Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy


Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Division.