Gilbert Corwin Hoover

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Gilbert Corwin Hoover, 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. HELENA (CL-50), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Maintaining the security of the rear in the battle column, Captain Hoover fought his ship valiantly despite the difficulties of night combat and succeeded in sinking a Japanese destroyer on the disengaged side. The determined and effective gunfire of his ship was largely responsible for holding to a minimum the damage to our destroyers in the rear. Captain Hoover’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. 315 (June 1943)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Gilbert Corwin Hoover, 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. HELENA (CL-50), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. 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 Gilbert Corwin Hoover, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Destroyer Squadron TWO, in action against the enemy on 7 and 8 May, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Captain Hoover’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.