George Rees Wilson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George Rees Wilson, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during operations in the Solomon Islands Area on the night of 17 – 18 August 1943. When an enemy Japanese force of four destroyers and a large number of landing barges endeavored under cover of night to reinforce the enemy garrisons in the Vella Lavella-Kolombangara Area, Lieutenant Commander Wilson, with exceptional tactical skill under relentless gun and torpedo fire, led the CHEVALIER in a brilliant interception of the hostile vessels. He fought his ship gallantly and contributed to the destruction of two destroyers, severe damage to a third and the annihilation of a number of landing barges. Having routed the enemy, he brought his vessel through this vital engagement unscathed. The superb leadership and unflinching courage displayed by Commander Wilson and the loyal devotion to duty of his crew reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.