Phillip Henry Fitzgerald

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Phillip Henry Fitzgerald, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LAMSON (DD-367), which engaged Japanese naval forces in a daring daylight raid on the enemy patrol line south of the Gilbert Islands on 22 October 1942. Lieutenant Commander Fitzgerald valiantly fought his ship, skillfully maneuvering in order to launch determined and aggressive attacks in which two enemy vessels were sunk. Despite terrific aerial opposition, he brought his ship and crew through the successful engagement without loss or damage. Lieutenant Commander Fitzgerald’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)