The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander, Battleship Division TWO, in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Surigao Strait in the early hours of 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese warships entered the narrow confines of the Strait and advanced under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, Rear Admiral Chandler, with his division placed among other battleships in the strategic T-formation across the northern end of Surigao, hurled the full power of his heavy guns at the confused enemy force. Directing the shattering broadsides of his mighty vessels with unrelenting fury, he waged fierce battle against the enemy in a prolonged engagement which resulted in the destruction of two Japanese battleships and three destroyers before effective return fire could be brought to bear on our ships. Subsequently retiring his division unscathed from the action, Rear Admiral Chandler, by his brilliant leadership, outstanding professional skill and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds, contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy in this decisive action and his undaunted courage throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
American Battle Monuments Commission(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
April 27, 1943 – July 25, 1944
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander All Forces, Aruba-Curacao, from 27 April 1943 to 25 July 1944. Admiral Chandler exercised sound judgment and initiative in carrying out his many and varied tasks. He was largely responsible for the cooperative employment of U.S. and Netherlands naval and air forces in waging vigorous and effective warfare on enemy submarines. He displayed marked diplomatic ability in his contacts with Netherlands and Venezuelan civil and military officials.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Cruiser Division 4 (Aboard the U.S.S. Louisville (CA-28)Action Date:
January 6, 1945
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 344 (November 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Cruiser Division FOUR, aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. LOUISVILLE (CA-28), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 6 January 1945. Skillfully coordinating the fire of his division with that of other heavy naval units during the initial bombardment of Luzon prior to scheduled landing operations at Lingayen, Rear Admiral Chandler ordered the smashing broadsides of his powerful guns with unrelenting aggressiveness despite a heavy overcast which reduced visibility and while under persistent attack by enemy aircraft. Observing the progress of operations from an exposed position on the flag bridge when a Japanese suicide bomber attacked and hit his cruiser, setting the flag bridge afire, he emerged from the raging inferno with his clothing ablaze. Determined to remain in action, he steadfastly continued to direct his units until compelled by his Chief of Staff to proceed to the dressing station for treatment of severe burns. Stout-hearted and indomitable in the face of almost certain death, Rear Admiral Chandler succumbed to his injuries the following day. By his inspiring devotion to duty and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout, he enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Cruiser Division 4 (Aboard the U.S.S. Louisville (CA-28)Action Date:
October 1944 – January 1945
War Department, General Orders No. 7 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, for conspicuous service to the Army of the United States in the action supporting the return of United States Forces to the Island of Luzon. Through his outstanding gallantry and exceptional skill while in command of battleship division in support of landing operations during the Battle of Leyte Gulf and while later commanding a cruiser squadron in the battle of Lingayen Gulf, Admiral Chandler was an inspiration and example to the forces of both the Army and the Navy. By his effective cooperation he assisted materially in the solution of complex problems of joint operations and his death on 7 January 1945 from wounds received while leading his command in action constituted a severe loss. The services performed by Admiral Chandler represent a very material contribution to the fulfillment of the Philippine Campaign.