Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Navy

Norman Scott

Details
  • Rank: Rear Admiral
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    U.S.S. Atlanta (flagship)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 12 - 13, 1942
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island, Solomon Islands
Citation
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 11-12 October and again on the night of 12-13 November 1942. In the earlier action, intercepting a Japanese task force intent upon storming our island positions and landing reinforcements at Guadalcanal, Rear Adm. Scott, with courageous skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, destroyed eight hostile vessels and put the others to flight. Again challenged, a month later, by the return of a stubborn and persistent foe, he led his force into a desperate battle against tremendous odds, directing close-range operations against the invading enemy until he himself was killed in the furious bombardment by their superior firepower. On each of these occasions his dauntless initiative, inspiring leadership, and judicious foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility contributed decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Norman Scott
Medal of Honor Recipient Norman Scott
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Indiana
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: December 9, 1942
    The White House, presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt to his Son
  • Born: August 10, 1889, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN, United States
  • Died: November 13, 1942, Solomon Islands
  • Buried: A.B.M.C. Manila Cemetery (Wall of the Missing); buried at sea, Manila, Philippine Islands
 

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