The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Rodger Whitten Simpson (NSN: 0-30986), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Division FIFTEEN (DesDiv 15), during a surface engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Vella Gulf, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. Conducting a well-timed and perfectly coordinated gun and torpedo attack, Captain Simpson skillfully disposed the units of his command for maximum fire power and combat efficiency, striking at the enemy boldly and with relentless determination and annihilating the entire hostile force of one Japanese cruiser and three destroyers. His brilliant tactics and inspiring leadership which enabled out destroyer force to come through this hazardous engagement without loss or damage reflects great credit upon Captain Simpson, his command and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Mahan (DD-364)Action Date:
October 22, 1942
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Rodger Whitten Simpson (NSN: 0-30986), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MAHAN (DD-364), which engaged Japanese naval forces in a daring daylight raid on the enemy patrol line south of the Gilbert Islands on 22 October 1942. Boldly engaging an enemy patrol line in a daring daylight raid, Commander Simpson, skillfully maneuvering his ship, launched determined and aggressive attacks in which two Japanese vessels were sunk by the effective gunfire of his ship and that of an accompanying destroyer. Despite terrific aerial opposition, he brought his ship and crew through this successful engagement without loss or damage. His inspiring leadership and gallant fighting spirit reflect great credit upon Commander Simpson, his command and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commodore [then Captain]Division:
U.S.S. Mahan (DD-364)Action Date:
February 14 – 25, 1944
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commodore [then Captain] Rodger Whitten Simpson (NSN: 0-30986), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of a Destroyer Squadron during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Bismarck Archipelago, from 14 to 25 February 1944. Leading his squadron through hazardous waters in strikes against enemy shipping and combatant units in strongly defended Rabaul and Kavieng Harbors, Commodore Simpson expertly maneuvered his ships for maximum striking power and, although subjected to numerous heavy bombing attacks and under intense fire from enemy Naval units and shore batteries, directed operations with outstanding skill to contribute in large measure to the sinking of three Japanese vessels and to the infliction of severe damage on shore installations. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommodoreAction Date:
August 23 – September 19, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore Rodger Whitten Simpson (NSN: 0-30986), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Group THIRTY POINT SIX operating under Commander THIRD Fleet from 23 August to 19 September 1945. He skillfully planned and organized the liberation and evacuation of Allied Prisoners of War held in concentration camps in Japan and by his bold and courageous actions personally led rescue parties to these camps prior to the actual signing of the surrender document. As early as 29 August he began freeing Prisoners of War and with dogged determination led and sent rescue teams to every known locality in the Tokyo area and contiguous territory. By his prompt, efficient and courageous execution of this highly important mission he saved the lives of prisoners who were on the verge of starvation and severely ill and succeeded in liberating hundreds of destitute and weary United States military personnel, days ahead of tentative schedules. He displayed outstanding initiative and his unremitting prosecution of the task, forceful manner and keen judgment were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.