The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Albert C. McCullough, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), in the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. Chief Boatswain’s Mate McCullough took charge when the port battery officer was injured and directed the fire of the guns so skillfully that a damaging hit was scored on a Japanese destroyer. Subsequently under heavy fire from the enemy, he tirelessly directed the crew of the battery in fighting fires started by hits scored by enemy ships. Chief Boatswain’s Mate McCullough’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.