The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Howard Severus Westin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession, while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island in the Solomons on the night of on November 12 and 13 1942. When an enemy plane crashed into the aft control station, with great courage and complete lack of regard for his personal safety, he led a fire hose out to the top of turret three in the midst of heavy gun fire, thereby aiding in the prompt extinguishment of the fire. Subsequently he suffered a severe wound. His fearless, courageous and heroic conduct was highly instrumental in minimizing the damage to his ship and contributed greatly to the victory achieved in this notable engagement. His gallant spirit of self-sacrifice, maintained above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.