Kenneth Jerome Spangenberg

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth Jerome Spangenberg, Gunner’s Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Gunner aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island in the Solomons on the night of on November 12 and 13 1942. Although mortally wounded by hostile shell fire, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Spangenberg, with grim determination in the face of intense pain and waning strength, continued to man his battle station until the engagement ended. His grim perseverance and relentless devotion to duty in the face of certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his own life in the defense of his country.