The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Vance Carlyle Prewitt (NSN: 0-71972), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer, Olongapo Naval Station, assigned to the SIXTEENTH Naval District, in action at Olongapo, Philippine Islands, during the period prior to the war with Japan and for a considerable time thereafter until the complete evacuation of that station in late December 1941. When Olongapo was abandoned as an industrial establishment October – September 1941, Lieutenant Prewitt was selected to take charge of what was left of it because of the record that he had made in subordinate capacities during the preceding few months. Although with scant experience for the job, Lieutenant Prewitt proved highly efficient, and there was still a great deal of executive and administrative work to do even after the shops, etc., were abandoned. After everything was evacuated from Olongapo in late December, Lieutenant Prewitt obtained command of one of the companies in the Navy-Marine Battalion which organization was frequently in action with the enemy. His company was later withdrawn to be placed in the beach defenses of Fort Hughes. All of this was a considerable test for a young officer with scant Naval experience but Lieutenant Prewitt’s success was notable. His attitude was always constructive, his morale always high and he proved to be a very good combat officer. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.