Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Smith (DD-378)

Awarded on:

August 1943

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Executive Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. Smith (DD-378), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. When a flaming Japanese plane crashed on the forecastle of his ship, its torpedo exploding, Lieutenant Commander Theobald gallantly led a fire party to the scene despite fierce aerial attacks, finally extinguished the blaze, thereby enabling his ship to maintain her station in a carrier's screen. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Theobald throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (August 1943).