The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Commander] Donald Temple Eller, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BURNS (DD-588), during a War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Skillfully maneuvering his vessel to strike at enemy shipping, Captain Eller launched a bold, aggressive attack in the face of heavy and persistent hostile countermeasures, to sink an entire Japanese convoy including one tanker, one supply ship and two smaller craft. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
September 17, 1961 – April 15, 1964
All Hands (July 1964)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Donald Temple Eller, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Administration, Allied Forces Southern Europe from 17 September 1961 to 15 April 1964. Confronted with a myriad of challenging, complicated and extraordinary problems, both operational and administrative, evolving from the tactical and support requirements of the joint six-nation force which comprises the Southern Region of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Rear Admiral Eller, through his outstanding professional competence, perseverance and diplomacy, successfully overcame all major obstacles to insure for Allied Forces Southern Europe the most productive logistical and administrative resources and systems obtainable to support the operational commitments of the command.