The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
CITATION:
“For outstanding performance in combat against enemy surface units of the Japanese fleet in the Battle of Guadalcanal and in the Battle of Vella Gulf. On the night of 12–13 November 1942 in the Battle of Guadalcanal the United States Ship STERETT assisted in sinking one battleship by scoring positive torpedo hits from a range of 3000 yards, one light cruiser through direct hits of five-inch salvos at very close range, and alone sank one additional destroyer by two torpedo hits and two five-inch salvos. On the night of 6–7 August 1943, in the Battle of Vella Gulf the United States Ship STERETT again gallantly fulfilled her mission in an offensive sweep against the enemy, when she alone sank one destroyer by gunfire and assisted in the sinking of one cruiser by taking it under fire. Attacking boldly and dangerously, the STERETT gallantly fulfilled her missions despite fierce enemy resistance. The skill and fighting spirit of her officers and men were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Division.
