The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Jesse Bartlett Oldendorf (NSN: 0-7230), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 2 March 1942 to 2 July 1942 as Commander All Forces Aruba-Curacao and from 2 July 1942 to 19 April 1943 as Commander Trinidad Sector, Caribbean Sea Frontier, and Commandant of Naval Operating Base, Trinidad. Rear Admiral Oldendorf, by outstanding display of leadership, judgment and devotion to duty contributed to a major degree in the successful employment of the Naval surface forces and combined Army and Navy aircraft assigned to the Trinidad Sector of the Caribbean Sea Frontier in anti-submarine warfare. In addition he was responsible for the protection of convoys and other vital war shipping during belligerent operations; contributed notably in development of tactics employed in combating the submarine menace and coordinated and directed the efforts which resulted in marked improvement in the port efficiency and reduction in ship delays in the port of Trinidad.

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 Rear Admiral Jesse Bartlett Oldendorf (NSN: 0-7230), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while commander of fire support groups during the assault and capture of Japanese-held Saipan and Tinian from 14 June 1944 to 1 August 1944 and in participating in the bombardment of Guam during the same period. Rear Admiral Oldendorf displayed exceptional ability in organizing, training, and controlling his force, and his actions contributed materially to the success of the entire operations. Units under his command were highly successful in the naval bombardment of all objectives and in all types of gunfire. His personal courage, determination, and outstanding leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Jesse Bartlett Oldendorf (NSN: 0-7230), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the two largest amphibious operations yet undertaken in the Southwest Pacific Area. Vice Admiral Oldendorf served as Commander Bombardment and Fire support Group for the invasion of Leyte on 20 October 1944. He directed the bombardment of enemy shore batteries so effectively that the landings were made with only light casualties. He served as Officer in Tactical Command in the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October 1944. Due to the excellence of his plans of battle and the skill of his direction, a crushing blow was delivered to the Japanese Task Force. Vice Admiral Oldendorf ably served as Commander Bombardment and Fire Support Group for the invasion of Lingayen Gulf on 9 January 1945. He effectively coordinated operations of all groups under his command. He directed the defense of shipping in the harbor against severe enemy aircraft attack. His outstanding performance of duty in these vital operations was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.