The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Benjamin Fellows, Jr. (NSN: 0-70310/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. GWIN (DD-433), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. Lieutenant Commander Fellows directed his ship with such courage and determination that severe damage was inflicted upon the enemy. Despite the partial disability of his ship, he kept her in action and rescued the entire crew of a friendly sinking vessel. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Gwin (DD-433)Action Date:
July 4 – 5 & 12 – 13, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander John Benjamin Fellows, Jr. (NSN: 0-70310/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding officer of the U.S.S. GWIN (DD-433), on the night of 4 – 5 July 1943, when his ship was giving support in the landing of Marines and Army forces at Rice Anchorage in Kula Gulf, and on the night of 12 – 13 July 1943, when the U.S.S. GWIN took part in the night action against the enemy off Kolombangara Island, British Solomon Islands. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.