Columbia is OFFICIALLY CREDITED
from July 29, 1942 - September
2, 1945 with the following:
1. Destruction of 27 Enemy planes
2. Assisting in the sinking of 1 Cruiser, 1 Destroyer
at the BATTLE OF EMPRESS AUGUSTA BAY.
3. Assisting in the sinking of 2 Battleships, 1 Cruiser and 1 Destroyer at the BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAITS.
4. Participation in 9 shore bombarments.
The men of Columbia were awarded approximately 170 PURPLE HEARTS,
1 AIR MEDAL,
2 NAVY CROSSES,
2 LEG. of MERIT,
1 SILVER STAR,
18 BRONZE STARS
and 10 Letters of Commadation
The ship received two Navy Unit Commendations:
1st Commendation for heroism in action November 1 & 2 1943
1st Commendation
2nd Commendation for heroism in action January 5 thru 9, 1945
2nd Commendation