Rodger Whitten Simpson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Rodger Whitten Simpson, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Division FIFTEEN (DesDiv 15), during a surface engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Vella Gulf, Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. Conducting a perfectly coordinated attack on Japanese forces, Commander Simpson skillfully disposed the units of his destroyer division for maximum fire power and efficiency, which resulted in the annihilation of the entire hostile force of one cruiser and three destroyers. He brought his ships through the engagement without loss or damage. Commander Simpson’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. 326 (May 1944)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rodger Whitten Simpson, 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. MAHAN (DD-364), which engaged Japanese naval forces in a daring daylight raid on the enemy patrol line south of the Gilbert Islands on 22 October 1942. Commander Simpson 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. Commander Simpson’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)