Medal of Honor: Norman Scott, World War II, October 11–12 and November 12–13, 1942

Name: Norman Scott
Rank: Rear Admiral
War: World War II (Naval Battle of Guadalcanal)
Date of Action: October 11–12 and November 12–13, 1942
Unit: U.S. Navy Task Force, South Pacific Area
Born: August 10, 1889 – Indianapolis, Indiana
Entered Service From: Indiana

Summary of Action
In October 1942, the waters around Guadalcanal became the stage for some of the fiercest naval battles in U.S. history. Japanese forces repeatedly sought to retake the island, landing troops under the cover of night and heavy cruiser escorts. Rear Admiral Norman Scott — commanding a small task force of cruisers and destroyers — intercepted the enemy under cover of darkness off Savo Island. Maneuvering through chaos and confusion, Scott’s tactical brilliance and calm leadership led to the destruction of eight enemy vessels and the withdrawal of the rest.
A month later, the enemy returned — stronger, and determined to finish the fight. Scott again led his ships into close-range combat in the black waters off Guadalcanal. Under crushing enemy fire, he directed his fleet with unyielding resolve until a shell struck his flagship, killing him in the line of duty. His valor and sacrifice helped save the fragile U.S. foothold at Guadalcanal and inspired an entire generation of naval officers.

Medal of Honor Citation
SCOTT, NORMAN
Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Born: 10 August 1889, Indianapolis, Ind. Appointed from: Indiana. 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 8 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.