The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Rear Admiral Harold Joseph Doebler, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct during operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area during World War II. As Commander of a task group escorting vessels to this vicinity, he skillfully deployed his screen of escorts to repel persistent enemy air attacks. Only two ships of the convoy were damaged by planes that penetrated the screen. By his prompt action he succeeded in rescuing several hundred men who were forced to abandon ship. his resourcefulness, initiative and coolness under fire enabled him to bring the convoy to the base with comparatively small loss.