The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Destroyer Squadron FORTY-SIX and as Screen Commander of Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT ONE during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 24 August to 30 October 1944. Skillfully maneuvering the screen throughout the attacks on Palau, Formosa and the Philippine Islands, Captain Espe contributed greatly to the protection of the Task Group while operating in enemy waters under heavy aerial attack and constant submarine threat and, by prompt decisive action, rendered effective service many times in the rescue of pilots. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Espe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Destroyer Squadron during action against enemy Japanese forces on Truk, 16 and 17 February 1944, and during raids on the Saipan-Tinian Area on 21 and 22 February 1944. With units of his squadron subjected to continuous day and night torpedo and bombing attacks, Captain Espe directed the ships under his command in assisting in the destruction of two hostile planes and, maintaining a protective position for the carriers, enabled the Task Group to proceed to the initial launching point and carry out a damaging air attack against enemy shipping, aircraft and shore installations on these strategically important islands. By his leadership and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Espe contributed materially to the success of these operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Espe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Member of a Planning Board in the Plans Division of the Staff of the Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Area, in connection with operations against enemy Japanese forces from 13 January to 1 September 1945. Utilizing his thorough knowledge of Naval and Military operations, Captain Espe assisted in preparing plans for the capture and occupation of the Japanese Empire and adjacent locations, for the opening and maintenance of a sea route for Allied vessels and for operations subsequent to the surrender of the Japanese. By his professional ability and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of our Armed Forces in the Pacific War Area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.