The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Coxswain Gerald Jared Metsker, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. When an enemy torpedo struck and started the slow flooding of his battle station, Coxswain Metsker promptly took measures to prevent further explosions and the spread of anticipated flooding to adjacent spaces. When ordered from his post, Coxswain Metsker skillfully assisted in the task of damage control, descending into the pit of the exposed area in order to cover a light which might have betrayed the position of the damaged ship to the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.