Walden LEE Ainsworth

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Walden Lee Ainsworth, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Task Force Commander, Task Group 36.1, in offensive action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. Rear Admiral Ainsworth directed the bombardment of Japanese shore batteries in a successful cover for the landing of our ground troops. On the following day he led his force against 10 enemy vessels and, by timely and accurate fire, damaged every unit in the group. Rear Admiral Ainsworth’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 323 (February 1944)