The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant VanOstrand Perkins (NSN: 0-77142), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving aboard the U.S.S. ATLANTA (CL-51), during the night action of Task Force SIXTY-SEVEN at about 0200, 13 November 1942, with enemy surface forces during with the ATLANTA received severe damage which later resulted in her loss. Although badly wounded in the leg after action with the enemy on 13 November 1942, Lieutenant Perkins carried on his work of directing fire fighting parties and other damage control measures being undertaken. In spite of his wounded condition, Lieutenant Perkins desired not to be evacuated with the wounded, but was ordered to do so. His conduct was exemplary and in line with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.