The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Seaman First Class Vernard Eugene Bivin (NSN: 2873843), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during action against an enemy Japanese naval force of cruisers and destroyers off Savo Island, during the Battle of Cape Esperance, on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Seaman First Class Bivin was the trainer of 5-inch Gun #3. During the action a shell fragment struck the trainer’s handwheel, tearing off a portion of the handwheel and, with it, Seaman First Class Bivin’s thumb, and laying open his abdomen. Seaman First Class Bivin continued to match his zero readers for the firing of the following three or four salvos, after which check fire was given. During this pause, the gun captain noticed that the trainer’s zero reader was not being matched and found Seaman First Class Bivin still on the seat supporting himself with one hand and trying to turn the handwheel but without sufficient strength to do so. The gun captain dragged him to a cleared area, and Seaman First Class Bivin died shortly thereafter. His great courage and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in defense of his country.