The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander DeWitt C. T. Grubbs, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in action after he was wounded by shrapnel shortly after the commencement of action between the U.S.S. ATLANTA (CL-51) and Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on 13 November 1942. He calmly directed the recovery of vital supply documents undamaged by fire. Unwilling to abandon his efforts in order to submit to medical treatment, he requested permission to remain aboard the vessel after injured personnel had been removed. 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.