The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Herald Franklin Stout (NSN: 0-60265), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CLAXTON (DD-571), during the bombardment of Buka airfield with a small Task Force, on the night of 16 – 17 November 1943. During this period the squadron destroyed one Japanese submarine, shot down five enemy planes, thwarted three torpedo plane attacks in enemy controlled waters and bombarded Buka airfield without loss or damage. In order that the guns of his ship might be close enough to their objective to inflict maximum destruction of enemy installations, Commander Stout, coolly, fearlessly and with expert seamanship maneuvered his vessel extremely close to dangerous reefs. The fire of his guns was directed with telling accuracy and contributed greatly to the destruction of enemy installations. His gallant fighting spirit, remarkable courage and valiant determination served as an inspiration to the crew of the ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Claxton (DD-571)Action Date:
November 1 – 2, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Herald Franklin Stout (NSN: 0-60265), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CLAXTON (DD-571), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Commander Stout hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and, by his inspiring leadership and skilled combat tactics, aided his Task Force in sinking five hostile warships, in damaging four others and in completely routing the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the successful establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island. His determination, relentless fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Destroyer Division 10Action Date:
December 7, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03024The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Herald Franklin Stout (NSN: 0-60265), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer Division TEN (DesDiv 10), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 7 December 1944. Skillfully directing the ships of his command participating in the shore bombardment and fire support of our troops, screening activities, and fighter director duties, Captain Stout contributed materially to the success of our landing forces as well as to the protection of our Naval units in the assault area. Maintaining the anti-aircraft defense of his ships, he was largely responsible for the destruction of fourteen hostile planes during the repulse of an intense enemy air attack. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Stout and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Claxton (DD-571)Action Date:
October 31 – November 1, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Herald Franklin Stout (NSN: 0-60265), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CLAXTON (DD-571), during the initial bombardment of Buka and Bonis airfields and Shortlands Islands, Bougainville, against enemy opposition on the night of 31 October – 1 November 1943. During this period Commander Stout’s ship was subjected to enemy bombing attacks as well as heavy gun fire from shore batteries. Commander Stout, with proficient skill and superb seamanship unhesitatingly maneuvered his vessel along an inadequately charted coast and conducted an aggressive attack with devastating gunfire and materially contributed to the destruction of enemy installations ashore. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
February 18, 1952 – February 12, 1953
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03024The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Herald Franklin Stout (NSN: 0-60265), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander Mine Squadron THREE and Commander Blockading and Escort Minesweeping Group (Task Group NINETY-FIVE POINT SIX), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 18 February 1952 to 12 February 1953. Displaying outstanding initiative, resourcefulness and ingenuity in directing the minesweeping operations of his group, Captain Stout utilized the forces at his disposal with maximum effectiveness in sweeping approach channels for amphibious landings and naval gun strikes, island defense areas and harbors of ports under siege by naval units while providing effective patrols to safeguard swept areas. A capable and inspiring leader, he was eminently successful in maintaining and disseminating mine intelligence, in rendering search and rescue assistance for downed aviators, in conducting salvage operations and in furthering the training and operation of the Republic of Korea naval minesweeping force. Exhibiting exceptional versatility in deploying his group to assist in the blockade of North Korea, Captain Stout skillfully directed his units in capturing prisoners, in destroying or damaging enemy sampans and in interdicting trains along the east coast railroad carrying vital supplies to hostile forces opposing the United States Eighth Army. By his superb professional ability, marked courage in the face of enemy fire and unswerving devotion to the fulfillment of his mission, he contributed immeasurably to the success of naval operations in the Korean Theater. His distinguished service throughout this period reflects the highest credit upon Captain Stout and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.