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 Oscar Arthur Weller (NSN: 0-56008), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), while operating in support of landings of our Joint Expeditionary Forces at enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima and during engagements against Chichi Jima, Okinawa, Miyake Jima, Tahigaki Jima, Hachijo Jima, and Kyushu, Kure and Tokyo Bay Areas of the Japanese mainland, from 10 February to 22 March 1945. When his ship was struck by a hostile bomb which detonated just below the hangar deck and killed or wounded many of his key personnel during a vicious attack by Japanese aircraft close to the Japanese mainland on 19 march, Captain Weller skillfully maintained control of his damaged vessel and, hurling the full strength of his aircraft against the enemy, delivered many smashing blows against major units of the Japanese Fleet, effectively carrying out all scheduled strikes during this hazardous engagement. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, outstanding tactical ability and great personal valor, maintained in the face of overwhelming odds throughout this and other extremely dangerous missions, Captain Weller contributed materially to the success of our offensive operations in the Pacific theater and his constant devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.