Independent Whipple Gorton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Independent Whipple Gorton, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. South Dakota (BB-57), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. After his battle station was struck by shells which started fires and killed all other men in that area, Captain Gorton remained at his post although faced with almost certain death from a broken stem line. He removed wounded from inside the superstructure tower and worked incessantly toward their evacuation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

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