Van Rensselaer Basselt, Robert, Jr.

Battle of the Java Sea

Date of birth:: January 24th, 1913 (Owego/New York, United States)
Date of death:: December 28th, 1966
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Bronzen Kruis (BK)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: U.S.S. Pope (DD-225), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: July 2nd, 1946

Royal Decree no. 50

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: U.S.S. Pope (DD-225), U.S. Navy

or meritorious conduct…while serving as Engineer Officer and Officer-of-the-Deck of the USS Pope in the battles of Makassar Strait, Badoeng Strait and Java Sea, from January to March 1942. During each of three engagements, Lieutenant Commander Bassett contributed notably to the preservation and battle success of the USS Pope, avoiding collisions in the darkness which undoubtedly would have resulted in disaster for his own vessel and another United States destroyer. Largely as a result of his intelligent and inspiring leadership, the Engineering Department of the USS Pope continued to operate in a highly efficient manner, despite the fact that it had not had a major overhaul for over two years…”

Combat "V" device