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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Willard Augustus Kitts, III, 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. NORTHAMPTON (CA-26), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in enemy-controlled waters during the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Although a number of ships ahead were sunk by hostile bombardment and others were left in flames, Captain Kitts maneuvered his vessel and kept her fighting with all the weapons at his command. When the Northampton was eventually torpedoed, he prevented her from beaching on the enemy shore and thereby enabled the lives of a great many of his crew to be saved. Although every possible effort was exerted to keep the damaged vessel afloat, he was finally compelled to order the crews over the side and, while following after they were all clear, was severely injured. Captain Kitts’ 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.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    United States Battleship

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 322 (January 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Willard Augustus Kitts, III, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a United States Battleship attached to a fire support group during seizure of Attu, Territory of Alaska. Captain Kitts repeatedly took his ship into dangerous and uncharged waters and directed supporting fire to augment that of the southern landing force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1943 – August 31, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 351 (June 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Willard Augustus Kitts, III, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief, Bureau of Ordnance, from 10 December 1943 to 31 August 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1941 – September 18, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 336 (March 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Willard Augustus Kitts, III, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Pacific Fleet gunnery officer on the staff of CincPac from 1 February 1941 to 18 September 1942. Admiral Kitts maintained the Pacific Fleet at a high degree of readiness in gunnery and other training, thereby contributing to its able performance in battle. He consistently prosecuted increase in anti-aircraft armament and thus aided in bringing our ships to their present status of superior anti-aircraft armament.