The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Third Class John Will Foster, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as a gun captain aboard the U.S.S. CHICAGO (CA-29) during an engagement with Japanese aircraft near Rennell Island, 29 – 30 January 1943. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Foster rallied his crew, testing the gun and reporting it ready to fire in less than one minute after an explosion directly beneath his battle station left the area around the 5-inch gun swept by flames from burning oil. He also supervised the fighting and extinguished two fires in the vicinity of his station. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.