The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Chester Edward Carroll (NSN: 0-58672), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HELM (DD-388), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal, from 7 December 1941 to February 1943; and as Commander Destroyer Division NINETY-SIX in the Pacific War Area from August 1943 to August 1944. Quick to act when the Japanese forces made their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on the morning of 7 December, Captain [then Commander] Carroll skillfully maneuvered his ship to evade the enemy fire and, by his expert seamanship, succeeded in holding the damages to his ship to a minimum. Gallantly directing the activities of his ship during the early attacks on Guadalcanal in the face of fierce enemy oppositions, and in subsequent escort and patrol missions, in that vicinity, he rendered valuable service to the U.S.S. QUINCY and the U.S.S. VINCENNES in effecting the rescue of 175 men from these sinking ships. Maintaining his Division in a constant state of material readiness while serving as Commander Destroyer Division NINETY-SIX, he contributed materially to the success of our destroyer operations, and his inspiring leadership, cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Carroll and the United States Naval Service.