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 Luther Kendrick Reynolds (NSN: 0-62014), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHARLES AUSBURNE (DD-570), in action against the enemy on the night of 24 and 25 November 1943, in the Solomon Islands. In this engagement five ships of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (DesRon 23) of which the U.S.S. CHARLES AUSBURNE was a unit sank four Japanese ships, seriously damaged another and damaged a sixth before she escaped without loss or damage to our own ships. Commander Reynolds fought his ship with gallant determination and remarkable courage and by his cool aggressive spirit in seeking out and fearlessly engaging a powerful foe enabled his ship to materially contribute to the crushing defeat of the Japanese forces. His remarkable calmness under fire and reckless disregard of his personal safety in pressing home the attack against the enemy was an inspiration to his brave crew and was 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 Navy Cross to Commander Luther Kendrick Reynolds (NSN: 0-62014), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHARLES AUSBURNE (DD-570), attached to Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (DesRon 23), during a night surface engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943. Seeking out and fearlessly engaging a powerful enemy, Commander Reynolds fought his ship with resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, frequently risking his own personal safety to press home vigorous, unrelenting attacks upon Japanese surface forces. By his extreme valor and inspiring leadership, he evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled the gallant officers and men under his command to contribute materially to the crushing defeat imposed upon the enemy in the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others. An expert seaman and tactician, Captain Reynolds retired the CHARLES AUSBURNE from the engagement without loss or damage and his high devotion to duty and splendid conduct throughout the action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.