The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Laurance Toombs DuBose, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Captain DuBose succeeded in holding his ship to her assigned station, while a task force was being subjected to violent and sustained torpedo dive, and horizontal bombing attacks. Captain DuBose’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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Laurance Toombs DuBose, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Captain DuBose was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country’s forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Captain DuBose contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.