The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate First Class Nathan T. Cottom, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in action when his ship was badly crippled and set afire during an engagement with a Japanese cruiser in the Solomon Islands, 9 August 1942. Gunner’s Mate First Class Cottom, despite a painful fragment wound, personally removed heavy boxes of ammunition from the burning chart house. He also risked his life by entering damaged compartments to check the condition of magazines, and greatly aided in bringing a fierce, spreading fire under control. 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.