The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Douglas Harold Fox (NSN: 0-60375), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Lieutenant Commander Fox was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country’s forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Fox contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Douglas Harold Fox (NSN: 0-60375), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942, and during arduous task of locating and rescuing survivors of damaged aircraft near French Reef, New Caledonia, on 30 October 1942. While under intense and prolonged aerial bombardment, Lieutenant Commander Fox, with superior judgment and expert seamanship, maneuvered his ship to effect the rescue of 250 survivors from the Aircraft Carrier HORNET. Four days later, under extreme darkness and adverse weather conations, he brought the Barton into the vicinity of dangerous reefs and despite imminent threat of hostile submarine attacks, picked up stranded crews and passengers from four large patrol planes, without loss of personnel. His brilliant leadership and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.