The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Leland Ralph Lampman (NSN: 0-61481), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. THATCHER (DD-514), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Captain Lampman sought out and engaged six Japanese warships, pressing home vigorous and unrelenting attacks. He hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and, by his inspiring leadership and skilled combat tactics, evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled his officers and men to contribute materially to the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others, thereby aiding in the establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island. Captain Lampman’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.