(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Henry Effingham Eccles, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Officer-in-Charge of the Advance Base Section, on staff of ComServPac, from December 1943 to December 1945.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216)Action Date:
February 19 – 20, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Henry Effingham Eccles, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHN D. EDWARDS (DD-216), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. Commander Eccles delivered a well-directed and gallant attack by gun and torpedo fire against a vastly superior force of enemy vessels. Although the ship which he commanded was illuminated by the enemy and under heavy fire, its fire scored several hits which damaged the enemy ships and silenced their fire. Commander Eccles’ inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of this vital mission and reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216)Action Date:
February 27, 1942
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Henry Effingham Eccles, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHN D. EDWARDS (DD-216), during the Battle of the Java Sea, 27 February 1942, and in offensive daylight action against the Japanese Battle Line of heavy and light cruisers. Courageous and aggressive in the face of severe enemy fire, Commander Eccles fought his ship boldly throughout this hazardous engagement, going in unsupported, as a unit of a Destroyer Division, to deliver a successful torpedo attack in two stages against the Japanese cruisers, forcing them to break off the attack and enabling the Allied ships to regain their battle formation. Commander Eccles’ inspiring leadership and the valiant fighting spirit of the officers and men under his command highest credit reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.