Herold Franklin Stout

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Herold Franklin Stout, 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. CLAXTON (DD-571), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Commander Armstrong daringly sought out and engaged six Japanese warships, pressing home vigorous and unrelenting attacks. Lieutenant Commander Stout fought his ship with resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, frequently risking his own personal safety to press home vigorous, unrelenting attacks upon Japanese surface forces. By his extreme valor and inspiring leadership, he evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled the gallant officers and men under his command to contribute materially to the crushing defeat imposed on the enemy in the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others. An expert seaman and tactician, Captain Stout retired the U.S.S. CLAXTON from the engagement without loss or damage. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Herold Franklin Stout, 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. CLAXTON (DD-571), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Lieutenant Commander Stout sought out and engaged six Japanese warships, pressing home vigorous and unrelenting attacks. He hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and, by his inspiring leadership and skilled combat tactics, evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled his officers and men to contribute materially to the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others, thereby aiding in the establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island. Commander Stout’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.