The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Theodore Brewer, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Gunnery Officer on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during the battle off the Komandorski Islands on 26 March 1943. While his ship fought a vigorous engagement for two and one-half hours with a hostile force twice the size of his own task group, Commander Brewer remained exposed to intense gunfire from two Japanese heavy cruisers and coolly directed the fire of his batteries. Although fifty percent of his department’s personnel were experiencing their first battle, Commander Brewer so skillfully organized his crew and displayed such courageous leadership in combat that he and his men were able to inflict severe damage on enemy vessels. His unswerving devotion to duty, maintained under extremely hazardous circumstances with utter disregard for his own safety, provided a constant source of inspiration to his men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] James Theodore Brewer (NSN: 0-60317), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Gunnery Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Charged with the direction and control of the fire of the SALT LAKE CITY, Captain Brewer obtained immediate hits on enemy vessels from the beginning of the engagement. Remaining steadfast in an exposed and isolated battle station as the action progressed, he continued firing until all enemy vessels were sunk, disabled or had fled under cover of smoke and darkness. Ordering a change in targets during the closing moments of the engagement, he brought fire to bear on an enemy heavy cruiser which was in the act of destroying the U.S.S. BOISE and, by his cool and deliberate control of fire, played an important part in sinking the hostile warship and in saving the BOISE from destruction. His courageous leadership, presence of mind in the face of hits scored on his vessel and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.