The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Dewitt Clinton Tucker MacKenzie (Grubbs, Jr.), (NSN: 0-72428), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the night action of Task Force SIXTY-SEVEN at about 0200, 13 November 1942, with enemy surface forces during which the U.S.S. ATLANTA (CL-51) received severe damage which later resulted in her loss. Although badly wounded by shrapnel shortly after the commencement of action with the enemy 13 November 1942, Lieutenant Commander MacKenzie without regard for his own condition calmly directed his subordinates in removing vital supply department documents that were not damaged by fire and requested that he not be removed from the ship with the injured. His leadership and disregard for self were an inspiration and his conduct was exemplary and in line with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.