Charles E. Tolman

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Charles E. Tolman, 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. DeHAVEN (DD-469), during operations in the Solomon Islands in January and February 1943. Commander Tolman operated his ship as group leader during the bombardment of enemy-held plantations on New Georgia Island and was directly responsible for demolition of important buildings and large fires and explosions in adjacent munitions dumps. On 1 February 1943, when eight Japanese dive bombers viciously attacked his ship and dropped a bomb on the navigating bridge, Commander Tolman courageously carried on until two internal explosions destroyed the DeHAVEN. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 320 (November 1943)