Ralph E. Wilson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ralph E. Wilson, 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. BUCHANAN (DD-484), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.