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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Anthony B. Akers (NSN: 95640), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished gallantry and intrepidity in the performance of duty as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat THIRTY-FIVE (PT-35), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), on the occasion of the evacuation of President Manuel Quezon and party from Negros to Mindanao, Philippine islands. After his boat had struck a submerged life buoy and had started to sink, Ensign Akers maintained his protective patrol of the area, and in order to avoid disclosing the presence of the Squadron to the enemy destroyer known to be near the rendezvous, refrained from signaling for help until President Quezon had safely left the rendezvous. His action on this occasion is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3)

    Action Date:

    March 11 – 13, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Army Award) to Ensign Anthony B. Akers (NSN: 95640), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat THIRTY-FIVE (PT-35), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Ensign Akers performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.