Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer U.S.S. Daly (DD 519)

Awarded on:

January 9th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DALY (DD-519), during the night surface engagement in Surigao Straits, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 24 - 25 October 1944. This ship, under the courageous and skillful leadership of Commander Visser, attacked a force of enemy battleships, cruisers and destroyers, inflicting on them numerous torpedo and gunfire hits. These hits damaged the enemy to such an extent that his eventual destruction followed. Commander Visser's gallant fortitude and conscientious devotion to duty contributed materially to the victorious outcome of the engagement and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0191 (January 9, 1945).