The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain [then Commander] Edward V. Dockweiler (NSN: 0-58553), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Senior Prisoner of War Officer on board a Japanese prison ship en route from Cavite, Philippine Islands, to Japan, from 7 October to 12 November 1942, and subsequently at Camp Shinagawa, Camp Omori, Camp 3D at Kawaski and Camp Kawasaki in Japan, until his liberation by American forces in September 1945. Captain Dockweiler assumed command of the panic-stricken men and used every available mans to maintain discipline when attack seemed imminent and helped alleviate conditions for the trapped men. With sound decision and cool judgment he continued his efforts after reaching the Japanese mainland where he repeatedly subjected himself to humiliation and physical punishment to improve his men’s deplorable conditions. He accompanied working parties to the Nippon Kokan Shipyard and learned the layout so well that he was able to devise and promote a plan of sabotage that reduced production of 69 percent for several months. By his fortitude, valor and self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow men, Captain Dockweiler was in a large measure responsible for the safe return of hundreds of men to their respective countries following the bitter conflict.