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 to Commander Paul Henrik Bjarnason (NSN: 0-77152), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a task unit commander of fleet minesweepers engaged in the clearance of enemy minefields in the area northeast of Formosa, the Pescederce Island, and the Straits of Formosa for the period of 29 November 1945 to 24 December 1945. Despite adverse weather conditions caused by the winter monsoons and the necessity to remain at sea for a protracted period of time, he conducted his dangerous mission in an outstanding and efficient manner, thus making the areas of operation safe for surface navigation. His inspiring leadership and exceptionally meritorious conduct were at all times 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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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
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U.S.S. Henry A. Wiley (DD-749)Action Date:
March 23 – June 24, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Paul Henrik Bjarnason (NSN: 0-77152), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HENRY A. WILEY (DD-749) at Okinawa Gunto, from 23 March 1945 to 24 June 1945. By his imitative, perseverance and outstanding ability he kept his ship operating, protecting minesweeping units, delivering effective harassment fire against the strong enemy shore emplacements, performing anti-submarine and anti-patrol boat patrols, all within dangerously mined enemy waters, and being subjected to numerous attacks by enemy aircraft, including attacks by suicide planes, all without damage to his ship or injury to the assigned personnel. During this period the ship, of which he was in command, drove off fifty-one attacks by multiple enemy aircraft, shooting down twelve of the attacking planes. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bjarnason is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Cross
Service:
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U.S.S. Henry A. Wiley (DD-749)Action Date:
May 4 & 5, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Henrik Bjarnason (NSN: 0-77152), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HENRY A. WILEY (DD-749), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 4 and 5 May 1945. During this period he ably commanded his ship, showing extreme courage, skill in combat, and determination, during numerous concentrated and determined attacks against his ship by enemy aircraft, and Baka bombs. Were it not for his demonstrated coolness in action, as well as a fine coordination of offensive directed gunfire his ship would not have avoided certain destruction. As a result of this extensive action his ship destroyed four enemy planes and two Baka bombs. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.