The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Rollin Everton Westholm (NSN: 0-73482), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BUSH (DD-529), in action against the enemy during the assault on Okinawa on 6 April 1945. After the ship was attacked by numerous enemy suicide planes, Commander Westholm, with outstanding leadership and skill, and by excellent anti-aircraft fire destroyed four of the hostile aircraft. Despite this outstanding action, three of the enemy planed crashed into his ship and left her in a sinking condition. After giving the order to abandon ship, he supervised the evacuation of the crew and was the last man to leave the stricken vessel. Through his profound devotion to duty, he proved to be an inspiration to all. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Bush (DD-529)Action Date:
December 27, 1944 – January 2, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Rollin Everton Westholm (NSN: 0-73482), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Flagship U.S.S. BUSH (DD-529), in operations against enemy Japanese forces while escorting a Re-supply Echelon between Leyte Gulf and Mangarin Bay, Mindoro, Philippine Islands, from 27 December 1944 to 2 January 1945. During a savage four-day engagement with enemy aircraft, Commander Westholm rendered invaluable assistance to his Unit Commander and, by his initiative and tactical ability, contributed in a large measure to the safe conduct of his convoy. Directing defense operations on the BUSH with marked professional skill in this action, he assisted materially in the destruction of thirty-seven hostile planes and in the damaging of numerous others. Commander Westholm’s skill, courage and zealous devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Command Westholm is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderAction Date:
January 10 – 11, 1943
Commander South Pacific: Serial 00662 (April 9, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Rollin Everton Westholm (NSN: 0-73482), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (PT-112), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 10 – 11 January 1943. Operating with two other Motor Torpedo Boats in an attack against three Japanese destroyers, Lieutenant Commander Westholm daringly maneuvered to within very close range and opened fire, scoring one known torpedo hit which sank or seriously damaged an enemy destroyer, before his own boat was put out of action by enemy fire. Although forced to abandon ship, he was later rescued and despite dangerous proximity to the enemy coast, directed a persistent search for the survivors of an abandoned sister ship and succeeded in rescuing all but two members of the crew. His outstanding courage and gallant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Bush (DD-529)Action Date:
November 1, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Rollin Everton Westholm (NSN: 0-73482), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BUSH (DD-529) in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on 1 November 1944. With his destroyer assigned as a picket to cover the distant main force of ships which were under a partially successful enemy attack, Commander Westholm expertly fought off an intense and determined attack by hostile aircraft, destroying at least two enemy planes with only minor damage to his ship. Maintaining his picket station, he prevented undetected hostile approaches to our main force. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Westholm is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)