Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Charles Emery Rosendahl, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Airship Training and Experimentation from 15 May to 14 August 1945. Vice Admiral Rosendahl contributed materially to the airship program. Instituting vigorous measures to correct past training deficiencies, he established the airship training program on a sound basis and set up from 75 to 100 experimental projects in the general categories of flight, engineering, electronics and laboratory. In addition, from 10 September 1943, as Special Assistant (LTA) to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air), he was the principal advisor on lighter-than-air matters.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Minneapolis (CA-36)

    Action Date:

    November 30 – December 1, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (August 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Charles Emery Rosendahl, 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. MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36), during the action in enemy-controlled waters at the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Captain Rosendahl fought his ship with skill and determination, contributing in large measure to the destruction of all enemy vessels within gun range. His inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.