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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Bertram Joseph Rodgers, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Amphibious Group 11 during the assault and conquest of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 16 February to 7 March 1945, and Okinawa and other Islands of the Ryukyus from 7 March to 1 May 1945. Admiral Rodgers demonstrated superb tactical and professional ability. Despite repeated attempts by hostile suicide boats to strike our ships and incessant attacks by enemy aircraft, he expertly directed the units under his command in supporting minesweeping and underwater demolition operations in preparation for the main assaults on objectives; supported landings and subsequent advances of our troops; and provided scheduled bombardments in support of our daily attacks against each Japanese stronghold in turn. He thus contributed materially in the conquest of these vital hostile strongholds.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Salt Lake City (CA-25)

    Action Date:

    March 26, 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Bertram Joseph Rodgers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during operations in the Aleutian Islands on 26 March 1943. During a 3 1/2-hour engagement with an enemy force of far greater strength, Captain Rodgers handled his cruiser with such excellent judgment and skill that she was able to inflict severe damage on one heavy cruiser and lesser damage on another heavy, and a light cruiser. His outstanding achievement contributed to the withdrawal of the Japanese force and frustrated their desperate attempt to reinforce troops in the Aleutian Islands. Captain Rodgers’ conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Bertram Joseph Rodgers, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander of a naval task force prior to and during the invasion of Southern France in 1944. Admiral Rodgers achieved brilliant success in the landing of assault troops, supplies and mechanized equipment of the 7th Army. His efficient direction of unloading operations of convoys were contributing factors in sustaining the rapid advance of our ground forces into enemy-held territory.