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