The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Harvey M. Andersen (NSN: 0-70803), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Salvage Officer at Gela, Sicily during the Amphibious Invasion of Sicily in July 1943. During the assault on Gela, Sicily, many landing craft were stranded on the beaches. Lieutenant Commander Andersen, with great skill, organized salvage parties and with courage and determination, while under constant enemy gunfire from shore batteries and aircraft, directed the salvage of these landing craft. He was responsible for the salvage of 190 landing craft, many of which were expeditiously repaired and returned to service, thereby materially assisting in the support of the Allied armies. The extraordinary ability, prompt and decisive action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Andersen reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Andersen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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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 with Combat “V” to Commander Harvey M. Andersen (NSN: 0-70803), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the Salvage Group of the Western Naval Task Force prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Commander Andersen, by his outstanding professional skill and persevering energy developed sound and practical plans for the accomplishment of all phases of salvage and fire fighting activities fully equal to the requirements occasioned by the conduct of these large scale operations. During and following the initial landings, he exercised efficient control of beach salvage enabling losses to landing boats and craft due to breaching and stranding to be kept to an absolute minimum. His expert and energetic supervision of salvage operations in the badly demolished captured ports of Toulon and Marseilles contributed immeasurably to their early rehabilitation and availability for Marine use for the accommodation of shipping supporting the Allied Armies in Southern Europe. The exceptional ability, resourcefulness, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Andersen reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantDivision:
U.S.S. Marblehead (CL-12)Action Date:
February 4, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Harvey M. Andersen (NSN: 0-70803), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action during the attack on the Light Cruiser U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), by Japanese enemy bombers on 4 February 1942. In charge of the Forward Repair Party, he was practically incapacitated by a 6-inch shell which was thrown from its rack striking him on the ribs and ankle. Although he was able to move only with great difficulty and pain, he courageously continued to perform his duties in the most outstanding manner. Aided by an improvised crutch he directed the work of fighting the fires, arresting the spread of water and the rescue of the wounded in the forward part of the ship; and until the ship reached port, continued the work of maintaining water-tight integrity and clearing the ship of water and debris. By his intimate knowledge of damage control, his outstanding leadership, courage and ability, coupled with his utter disregard for his own safety he contributed greatly to the saving of the ship and the saving of many lives.