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 Anthony Lawless Rorschach (NSN: 0-59482), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander, Destroyer Squadron THREE, and as Task Element Commander and Task Group Commander, Blockading and Escort Force, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 17 September 1951 to 25 March 1952. A capable and inspiring leader, Captain Rorschach was eminently successful in discharging his many responsibilities throughout this period and ably directed the forces under his command in attacks against hostile rail and road supply lines and in providing timely and effective gunfire support for the Republic of Korea First Corps. With his Task Elements deployed along the east coast of Korea, he skillfully utilized the limited forces at his disposal in conducting the siege of Wonsan and, employing the striking power of his ships against the enemy with maximum effectiveness, kept hostile forces constantly on the defensive without sustaining damage to the vessels under his command. His outstanding professional ability, sound judgment and zealous devotion to the fulfillment of his missions were major factors in the success achieved by the Blockading and Escort Force and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Rorschach and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Rorschach is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Dale (DD-353)Action Date:
March 26, 1943
Commander North Pacific: Serial 0284 (May 1, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Anthony Lawless Rorschach (NSN: 0-59482), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DALE (DD-353) in action against Japanese naval forces off the Komandorski Islands on 26 March 1943. During an engagement which continued without respite for three hours and a half with an enemy of far superior strength, Commander Rorschach, with keen judgment and expert seamanship, played a vital part in the action of our Task Group. Skillfully maneuvering his ship to avoid enemy 8-inch salvos which fell close to her, he was able to lay protecting spoke screen around a cruiser that was in serious difficulty and to assist in driving off hostile ships with relentless gunfire or with threats of torpedo attacks. By his exemplary conduct and steadfast devotion to duty he rendered invaluable aid in turning back the Japanese force, thereby thwarting a desperate attempt to deliver urgently needed supplies to enemy troops in the Aleutian Islands. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
January 16, 1944 – April 6, 1945
Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 2442 (June 13, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Anthony Lawless Rorschach (NSN: 0-59482), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Amphibious Training Base, Ocracoke, North Carolina, from 16 January 1944 to 6 April 1945. Serving with distinction in an assignment of vital importance, Captain Rorschach was in large measure responsible for the skillful organization and training of personnel for secret combat teams, forming them into efficient units for subsequent hazardous missions. In addition, he contributed to the development of new effective weapons and to the high state of combat readiness of teams engaged in successful amphibious assaults in all operational theaters. By his professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Rorschach upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service..