Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CONVERSE (DD-509)

Awarded on:

November 1943

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] DeWitt Clinton Ellis Hamberger (NSN: 0-60276), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CONVERSE (DD-509), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 - 2 November 1943. With his Task Force engaging a Japanese surface force of superior fire power, Captain Hamberger hurled the full fighting strength of his ship against the enemy and, by his inspiring leadership and skilled combat tactics, aided his Task Force in sinking five hostile warships, in damaging four others and in completely routing the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the successful establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Island. His determination, relentless fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2x awarded
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 336 (March 1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Converse

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1944

with 1 GS -Gold Star
2nd citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] DeWitt Clinton Ellis Hamberger (NSN: 0-60276), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CONVERSE (DD-509), attached to Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (DesRon 23), during a night engagement with six enemy Japanese warships off Bougainville, British Solomon Islands, on 24 - 25 November 1943. Seeking out and fearlessly engaging a powerful enemy, Captain Hamberger fought his ship with resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, frequently risking his own personal safety to press home vigorous, unrelenting attacks upon Japanese surface forces. By his extreme valor and inspiring leadership, he evoked the indomitable fighting spirit which enabled the gallant officers and men under his command to contribute materially to the crushing defeat imposed upon the enemy in the sinking of four ships and the serious damaging of two others. An expert seaman and tactician, Captain Hamberger retired the CONVERSE from the engagement without loss or damage and his high devotion to duty and splendid conduct throughout the action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander Southern Pacific Fleet: Serial 00193 (January 17, 1944)