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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Wallis Frederick Petersen (NSN: 0-58564), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Screen Commander for an Amphibious Group and Commander of a Fire Support Unit from June to August 1944, during the assault and capture of Saipan. Demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the requirements of his command, he ably planned and supervised the activities of ships under his command throughout the planning, staging and assault phases of this important operation. He at all times performed his many and varied duties in a highly courageous and skillful manner, and the success of night retirement and fire support groups gives evidence of his sound judgment and conspicuous leadership. Through his aggressiveness, initiative and profound devotion to duty, he contributed immeasurably to the successful conclusion of this assault operation. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Mustin (DD-413)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1942
    Commander South Pacific Force and Area: Serial 0225b (December 9, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Wallis Frederick Petersen (NSN: 0-58564), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MUSTIN (DD-413), during the aerial attack on Japanese naval forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Commander Petersen’s ship was in the screen protecting one of our aircraft carriers that was subjected to a severe attack by large numbers of Japanese planes. When the carrier was disabled by enemy bombs and torpedoes and while it had a pronounced list, he brought his ship alongside with superb seamanship and complete disregard for the imminence of further attack to assist in fighting the raging fires on board with every means at his command. When driven away by further air attacks he repeatedly returned to the side of the carrier to continue rendering assistance and to evacuate survivors. His skillful and courageous handling of his ship was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.