The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Maurice Edwin Curts (NSN: 0-55964), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. COLUMBIA (CL-56), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the amphibious landings on Leyte and during the Battle for Leyte Gulf from 17 to 29 October 1944. Skillfully directing his ship in an assignment of vital importance, Rear Admiral Curts courageously maneuvered through enemy-infested waters during the approach on Leyte Gulf and, continually providing alert and effective defense for our invasion forces against hostile air attacks, furnished close-in bombardment support for the actual landings. In the course of this action, his ship assisted in the sinking of at least one Japanese battleship, a cruiser and six destroyers, thereby contributing materially to the success of our operations in this area. By his courageous leadership and gallant devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Curts upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Columbia (CL-56)Action Date:
January 6 – 9, 1945
Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 01670 (April 23, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Maurice Edwin Curts (NSN: 0-55964), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Cruiser U.S.S. COLUMBIA (CL-56), during her action against the enemy off Lingayen Gulf and Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 6 – 9 January 1945. Captain Curts’ ship was hit by enemy planes on three separate occasions. Despite the fact that he had suffered heavy personal losses and that a portion of his anti-aircraft battery, as well as his Radar, was out of commission, he superbly maintained his station and carried out his bombardment missions. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
February 1, 1958 – April 1, 1960
All Hands (August 1960)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Maurice Edwin Curts (NSN: 0-55964), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in duties of great responsibility as Commander, Western Sea Frontier, and Commander Pacific Reserve Fleet, from 1 Feb 1958 to 1 April 1960, and as Commander Naval Defense Forces Eastern Pacific, from 15 August 1959 to 1 April 1960. The defensive capabilities of the Navy’s eastern Pacific Forces have been an achievement directly attributable to Vice Admiral Curts’ precepts and inspiring leadership. He has been a dominant force in the implementation of the Pacific Air Cargo Evaluation recommendations, which have resulted in reduce air-traffic and transportation expenses, providing a concurrent increase in logistic responsiveness.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Chief of Naval Operations: Serial 3POO (January 20, 1958)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Maurice Edwin Curts (NSN: 0-55964), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Commander in Chief United States Pacific Fleet from 16 June 1955 to 1 February 1958, during which time the Commander in Chief United States Pacific Fleet, by direction of higher authority, divested himself of all but major policy matters, thereby placing Admiral Curts in a position of major responsibility. Exercising administrative, planning and operational ability of the highest caliber, Admiral Curts was eminently successful in carrying out his many and exacting assignments. An extremely competent and forceful leader, he maintained the Pacific Fleet and its supporting elements at the peak of readiness at all times, as demonstrated during the Suez crisis in November 1957 and many other occasions. By his outstanding professional skill and tireless devotion to duty throughout, Admiral Curts upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Maurice Edwin Curts (NSN: 0-55964), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on the Staff of the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, as Communications Officer from August 1942 to May 1944. During the same period, Captain Curts was also a member of the Combined and Joint Communications Boards. In the above assignments, by the exercise of superior judgment, initiative and tact, he was greatly responsible for the successful communication agreements and plans adopted, not only between United States Military Service, but also with the Military Service of our Allies. He established and supervised an efficient communication organization which met the exacting requirements for all phases of communications within the Headquarters, thereby greatly contributing to the execution of the mission of the Commander in Chief. His energy, loyalty, attention and devotion to duty inspired those serving under him and were in accord with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Columbia (CL-56)Action Date:
October 17, 1944 – July 2, 1945
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 907 (October 24, 1945)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 Maurice Edwin Curts (NSN: 0-55964), 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 U.S.S. COLUMBIA (CL-56), during operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands and Borneo from 17 October 1944 to 2 July 1945. Captain Curts participated in the assaults on Leyte Islands, Lingayen Gulf and Balikpapan as well as in the battle of Surigao Straits. By his initiative, perseverance and leadership he contributed materially to the success of these operations. His outstanding professional skill in the performance of his duties was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Curts is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)