The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant (MC) Christopher Mamonas, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as a Medical Officer on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), after that vessel was severely damaged during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. During the night attack, Lieutenant Mamonas, with utter disregard for his own safety in the face of terrific enemy bombardment, administered medical attention to injured personnel on the bridge structure while the ship was afire. Later, returning to his battle dressing station, he resumed his treatment of the wounded until compelled to evacuate the area because of enemy shell hits and subsequent flooding. Removing patients, Corpsmen and supplies to a higher level in order to carry on his work, he continued his duties as physician and surgeon long after the battle had come to an end, undoubtedly saving many lives by transferring and treating the wounded. His conscious devotion to duty, maintained at great risk in the face of grave peril, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.