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.