The 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 Commander Lester Orin Wood (NSN: 0-70242), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LAWS (DD-558) in the vicinity of Okinawa from 21 March to 21 June 1945. He led his ship through a hazardous period with such courage, skill and determination that all missions were successfully completed without sustaining damage to his ship or casualties among his crew. The destruction by his ship of two Japanese planes, many enemy guns, troops, and strong points, contributed greatly to the success of the operations. His outstanding service and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Lester Orin Wood (NSN: 0-70242), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On 19 February 1942, the U.S.S. WILLIAM B. PRESTON (DD-344) was anchored at Port Darwin, Australia, acting as tender for several PBY airplanes. About 0900 the Commanding Officer went ashore to make arrangements for the delivery of fuel and gasoline, leaving Lieutenant Commander Wood in temporary command. About 1000 a large formation of enemy aircraft appeared over the harbor and commenced bombing the shipping and shore establishments. Lieutenant Commander Wood had the ship at general quarters and underway within 5 minutes and commenced zig-zagging down the harbor, dodging bomb salvos, and heading for the open sea. Several dive bombers attacking the ship were driven off by the ship’s anti-aircraft fire before they released their bombs. About 1010, while making a full rudder turn at 25 knots, the ship was struck by a bomb just forward of the after deck house on the port side, rupturing fuel tanks and steam lines to the steering engine. Fire immediately broke out in the vicinity and steering control was lost. In spite of the damaged condition of the ship and the jammed rudder and in the face of continued attacks by the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Wood succeeded in maneuvering the ship to keep clear of shoals and other burning ships, in making his way out through the boom into the open sea. While proceeding down the coast in this damaged condition the ship was subjected to another bombing attack, but Lieutenant Commander Wood succeeded in dodging all bombs and bringing the ship safely through a narrow passage into a small bay where he awaited the arrival of the Commanding Officer. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.