The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Barton Elijah Bacon, Jr. (NSN: 0-59412), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PICKEREL (SS-177), during the period from 8 December 1941 to 26 August 1942. While commanding the submarine PICKEREL during five patrols in the Asiatic theater, Commander Bacon on one occasion attacked a Japanese supply ship and a troop transport with great tactical skill, sinking both of them. In other actions during these patrols his excellent judgment and skill were responsible for heavy damage to a number of enemy ships. Commander Bacon’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Barton Elijah Bacon, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commander Submarine Division ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, from November 1944 to March 1945, and as Commander Submarines Squadron TWENTY-SIX from 8 April to 15 August 1945. In addition, he served as Commander Repair and Maintenance Group for the submarines of two United States squadrons and one British flotilla. In the above capacities, Captain Bacon displayed outstanding ability in the administration, re-fitting, and training of the submarines under his command. As a result of his untiring efforts, his squadron efficiently re-fitted twenty-nine submarines throughout a period of eight months as well as effecting emergency and voyage repairs to twelve submarines. The excellent training programs which he instituted aided considerably in the destruction of enemy vessels at a time when enemy shipping activity was diminishing. During this period these submarines sank 111 ships totaling 66,570 tons, and damaged five ships totaling 2,200 tons.
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Legion of Merit
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 Captain Barton Elijah Bacon, Jr. (NSN: 0-59412), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Officer-in-Charge of the Submarine School, United States Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, from October 19421 to January 1944, and as the Officer-in-Charge of the Submarine School from January 1944 to October 1944. By his outstanding leadership, extreme energy, devotion to duty and professional competence, Captain Bacon was responsible for the high degree of training in operation of submarines given to the officer and enlisted graduates of the Submarine School. His performance of duty was significantly instrumental in carrying out the mission of the Submarine School in a most outstanding manner and contributed materially to the subsequent combat successes of graduates of the School. Captain Bacon’s rare initiative, unusual efficiency and outstanding performance of duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.