The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Andrew Gilbert Shepard (NSN: 0-10805), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. CLEVELAND (CL-55), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 30 October to 2 November 1943. Proceeding through unfamiliar and poorly charted waters, Captain Shepard, under terrific fire from hostile shore batteries and aerial attacks, participated in the initial bombardment of Buka-Bonis and the first daylight assault on Shortland-Faisi-Ballale. Against a Japanese task force of superior fire power, he fought his ship with superb skill in a victorious engagement which resulted in the sinking f five enemy warships and the damaging of four. Later, when sixty-seven hostile bombers launched a deadly attack against his task force, Captain Shepard directed the anti-aircraft fire of the CLEVELAND in a vigorous barrage which assisted in shooting down seventeen Japanese planes. His aggressive leadership and gallant conduct under fire contributed to the protection of our beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay and to the successful establishment of our land and air forces on Bougainville Island. By his fearlessness, calmness, and gallant determination on the exposed bridge of his ship Captain Shepard set an example of conduct under stress of battle that was an inspiration. His relentless fighting spirit and devotion to duty, maintained at great risk in the face of grave personal danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.