| for service as follows:"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battles of Kula Gulf and Kolombangara, from July 5 to 13, 1943; the Philippine Islands Campaign, from November 15 to 28, 1944; and the Okinawa Campaign, from March 25 to May 28, 1945. Steaming up the Slot with her Task Force shortly before midnight on July 5 to intercept the Japanese on their nightly run from Bougainville, the U.S.S. ST. LOUIS met and engaged a superior enemy force of cruisers and destroyers, sinking or severely damaging a majority of these ships. In another furious night engagemcnt off Kolombangara Island one week later, she assisted in damaging or destroying five more ships of the Japanese cruiser-destroyer force. Constantly harassed by hostile suicide attackers while covering Surigao Strait and the Leyte Gulf landings, she rendered invaluable fire support to our assault forces and although severely damaged on November 27 during one of the most vicious multiple Kamikaze attacks of the war, continued in action after decisively routing the enemy with heavy losses. As part of the Expeditionary Force during the Okinawa operation, she again provided sustained close-in-bombardment and gunfire support and, despite the constant threat of air, submarine and suicide boat attacks, emerged from this hazardous campaign victorious and unscathed. A resolute and sturdy veteran, complemented by skilled officers and men, the ST. LOUIS rendered distinctive service sustaining and enhancing the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service." |  |
