Medal of Honor: Norman Scott – World War II – October 11–12 & November 12–13, 1942
In the black waters off Guadalcanal, one admiral stood between a Japanese invasion force and the survival of American troops ashore. Twice he met the enemy in the night — and the second time, he paid for victory with his life.
November 13, 2025
Name: Norman Scott
Rank: Rear Admiral
Organization: U.S. Navy
Unit: Task Group Operations off Savo Island
Place and Date: Off Savo Island, Solomon Islands – 11–12 October 1942 & 12–13 November 1942
Entered Service At: Indiana
Born: August 10, 1889 – Indianapolis, Indiana
Departed: November 13, 1942 – Killed in Action
Accredited to: Indiana
Summary of Action
Rear Admiral Norman Scott was one of the key naval leaders who fought to keep Guadalcanal alive during its darkest hours. In October 1942, with a powerful Japanese force moving in to reinforce their troops, Scott led a desperate night interception. Maneuvering through chaos, confusion, and the threat of friendly fire, he coordinated his cruisers and destroyers with exceptional discipline. By dawn, eight Japanese ships lay destroyed or crippled, and the rest were forced to withdraw — a rare and vital American victory in the early days of the Solomon Islands campaign.
One month later, Scott again found himself facing a determined Japanese force attempting to break through to Guadalcanal. That night battle, fought at close quarters and under violent shellfire, was even more brutal. 
Outgunned and outnumbered, Scott remained on the bridge directing his ships through the storm of fire, pushing the enemy back from their objective. As the Japanese bombardment intensified, he was struck and killed at his post.
His leadership in both battles helped halt Japanese offensive momentum, buying critical time for U.S. Marines and turning the tide in the struggle for Guadalcanal. Rear Admiral Norman Scott’s legacy is written in the survival of the island — and the men who fought for it.
Medal of Honor Citation
