Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Awarded on:

1943

Awarded for:

Operation Avalanche

Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding duty. As Officer in Charge of a support boat he exercised great skill and courage in escorting fifty-nine amphibious trucks from the transport anchorage to the assigned beaches during darkness. He continued to navigate his support boat by the stars in traversing this distance of 12 miles through enemy mine fields and concentrated shell and mortar fire from shore defenses. His excellent judgment accountable for the rapid discharge of assault cargo without casualty and this contributed materially to the success of the invasion of Italy, the action occurring off Salerno on 9 September, 1943."