The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Storekeeper Third Class Robert Everett Kellogg, United States Navy, for gallantry in action when the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8) was under heavy aerial attack by the Japanese in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. The HORNET was shaken by violent concussion from exploding bombs. Storekeeper Third Class Kellogg, on his own initiative, entered a blazing, smoke-filled compartment where a shipmate was suffocated and pinned to the deck by heavy debris. Braving intense heat and imminent danger of asphyxiation, Storekeeper Third Class Kellogg extricated the injured man and carried him to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.