Colin Campbell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colin Campbell, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. ST. LOUIS (CL-49), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. Commanding his warship during landing operations on New Georgia Island, Captain Campbell maneuvered his ship through restricted waters, effectively bombing shore batteries. The following day, while leading a formation, his ship engaged in action with superior numbers of an enemy force and, through his brilliant direction of accurate gunfire, succeeded materially in destroying or severely damaging all hostile vessels. Captain Campbell’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. 321 (December 1943)