Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Richard Stanislaus Edwards, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. By the exercise of great foresight and brilliant military judgment in duties of great responsibility as Deputy Chief of Staff to Commander in Chief, United States Fleet from January to September 1942, as Chief of Staff and aide to Commander in Chief, United States Fleet from September 1942 to October 1944, and as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Deputy CNO, from October 1944 to August 1945, Admiral Edwards provided wise and complete counsel on which to base operations of the United States Fleet. On problems of great urgency, delicacy and unprecedented scope, he brought to bear unlimited energy, tact and discretion. The qualities of leadership which Admiral Edwards displayed earned from his subordinates a loyalty and devotion to duty which were reflected throughout the entire naval service. His outstanding performance of his complex and vital duties contributed in large measure to the successful prosecution of the war.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Regiment:

    Squalus Salvage Unit

    Division:

    U.S.S. Falcon (ASR-2)

    Action Date:

    May 23, 1939
    Bureau of Navigation Bulletin 278 (February 10, 1940)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Richard Stanislaus Edwards, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Aide and later as Senior Aide on the Staff of the Commander of the U.S.S. SQUALUS Rescue and Salvage Unit. At the first indication of trouble Captain Edwards dispatched the U.S.S. FALCON of his command and proceeded himself from New London, Connecticut, in a destroyer to the scene of the disaster, arriving the following day, 24 May 1939. During the entire period of the Rescue and Salvage Operations he distinguished himself by the superior and outstanding manner in which he performed all of his duties. His advice and cooperation were of inestimable value and contributed greatly to the rescue operations and final successful salvage of the U.S.S. SQUALUS.