Lester H. Gamble

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lester H. Gamble, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-FIVE (PT-45), which engaged Japanese destroyer forces off the Guadalcanal coast on the nights of 11 – 12 December 1942, 2 – 3 January 1943, and 14 – 15 January 1943. Lieutenant Gamble with great skill and daring made such successful attacks as to obtain two torpedo hits on one destroyer the first night, one torpedo hit on each of two destroyers on the second night, and one torpedo hit on a destroyer on the last night. The attacks on the last two dates were pressed home against bombing and strafing by the enemy. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Gamble were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.