The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Goodwin Cooper, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. McCALLA (DD-488), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Commander Cooper brought his vessel successfully through this battle, directing the fire of his guns with telling accuracy. After retirement of the task force, he remained at the scene of the engagement and directed a vigilant search for our ships which were missing. Locating the U.S.S. DUNCAN, from whose blazing hull explosions were heard, he cautiously approached and left a salvage party aboard, then continued his search for other ships which might need assistance. Finally returning to the DUNCAN and realizing she was beyond saving, Commander Cooper made sure she would not fall into the hands of the enemy. At dawn, he sighted and began picking up survivors. Despite the ever-present danger of enemy ships and aircraft which might be in the vicinity, he continued his extremely hazardous rescue operations until noon, when a total of nearly 200 officers and enlisted men had been placed safely aboard. Commander Cooper’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.