The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Louis E. Woods (MCSN: 0-1082), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a position of great responsibility while in command of all Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Aviation Units based on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, during the period from 9 November 1942 to 27 December 1942. Continually exposed to terrific fire from enemy ship and shore batteries, as well as bombing and strafing attacks by hostile aircraft, Brigadier General Woods directed the operations of his forces with such daring, skill, and tenacious determination that a total of 22 Japanese surface craft was sunk and 65 planes destroyed, as well as many additional ships damaged and probably lost. During the 11 – 15 November engagement, the Units under his command successfully attacked and destroyed large numbers of ships and men, and quantities of supplies, thereby defeating the enemy’s desperate efforts to reinforce the beleaguered and starving Japanese forces. Brigadier General Woods, by his dauntless courage and outstanding leadership, contributed in a great measure to the success of our forces in that area.