The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman First Class John Joseph Cofer, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as range-finger operator and spotter on board the U.S.S. Aaron Ward (DD-483) during action against Japanese naval forces off Guadalcanal on the night of 30 November – 1 December 1942. He manned his station with exceptional coolness and skill and assisted the main battery in scoring numerous hits on the enemy with the result that one Japanese ship was sunk. Mortally wounded by shrapnel that riddles his body, his last words were, “I can range no longer.” 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.