The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Thomas B. Owen, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Communications Officer aboard the U.S.S. NORTHAMPTON (CA-26) during action against Japanese naval forces off Savo Island on the night of 30 November 1942. Lieutenant Owen went below and assisted in the preparation for abandonment of the ship after the vessel became badly damaged and was in imminent danger of running aground on enemy-held shore. Later, while waiting to abandon ship, he re-established communications with the task force commander and furnished him with valuable information. After he had gone over the side, he rendered assistance to men who were near exhaustion, towing two of them at a time to a point within reach of a rescuing destroyer. 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.