COMMANDER HOWARD S. WESTIN, then Lieutenant, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession, while serving on board the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO during the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on November 12 and 13 , 1942. When an enemy plane crashed into the aft control station, with great courage and complete lack of regard for his personal safety, he led a fire hose out to the top of turret three in the midst of heavy gun fire, thereby aiding in the prompt extinguishment of the fire. Subsequently he suffered a severe wound. His fearless, courageous and heroic conduct was highly instrumental in minimizing the damage to his ship and contributed greatly to the victory achieved in this notable engagement.

CMDR. Westin resides in North Carolina.