The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Edward Paul Sauer (NSN: 0-9720), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Task Group Commander of Task Group SIXTEEN (TG-16), in the battle to eastward of the Solomon Islands on 24 August 1942. Due to Captain Sauer’s aggressive leadership and determined action, and through the skill and courageous devotion to duty of the units under his command, heavy losses were inflicted on attacking enemy Japanese air groups, thereby contributing immeasurably to the ultimate success of our forces in this notable engagement. Captain Sauer’s courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.