Thomas Leigh Gatch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Thomas Leigh Gatch, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA (BB-57), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. Although partially disabled and suffering acute pain from a previous wound, Captain Gatch, with bold determination gallantly fought his ship through a large Japanese force, sinking at lest one enemy cruiser and damaging other enemy vessels. Captain Gatch 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. 318 (September 1943)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Leigh Gatch, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA (BB-57), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.