USS Helena CL-50
Navy Unit Citation
(For clarity, the above Navy Unit Citation is reproduced here)
Image furnished by EUGENE E. LAJEUNESSE MM1C
USS Helena CL-50 1941 to 7/43.
"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces afloat
Gallantly carrying the fight to the enemy, the USS Helena opened the night battle of Cape Esperance She engaged at close quarters a superior force of hostile
In her final engagement in the pre-dawn battle of July 5, 1943, the Helena valiantly
Her brave record of combat achievement is evidence of the Helena's
All personnel serving on board the USS HELENA during one or more of the
in the Solomon Islands-New Georgia Areas.
on October 11-12, 1942, boldly sending her fire into the force of enemy warships, sinking a hostile
destroyer, and holding to a minimum the damage to our destroyers in the rear of the Task Force.
combatant ships in the Battle of Guadalcanal (Third Savo) on the night of
November 12-13, 1942, rallying our own forces after the flag-ship had been
disabled and contributing to the enemy's defeat.
sailed down the restricted and submarine-infested waters of Kula Gulf under
the terrific torpedo, and gun fire of the enemy to bombard Kolombangara and
New Georgia while covering the landing of our troops on Rice Anchorage, and
twenty four hours later, her guns blazing aided in the destruction of a
vastly superior enemy naval force before she was fatally struck by Japanese
torpedoes.
intrepidity, and the heroic fighting spirit of her officers and men."
three engagements mentioned above are hereby authorized to wear the
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION ribbon.