The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Adelbert Frink Converse (NSN: 0-57502), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of an anti-submarine hunting group which located and destroyed an enemy submarine off Cape Santa Pola, Spain, on 17 May 1944. Captain Converse, as Commander Destroyer Squadron TEN, in the U.S.S. ELLYSON (DD-454), skillfully led the anti-submarine hunting group, composed of Destroyer Squadron NINETEEN, plus the U.S.S. GLEAVES, U.S.S. NIELDS, and aircraft of the Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force during a relentless search for an enemy submarine which had attacked and torpedoed two ships of an Allied convoy. His outstanding initiative and sound judgment in the preliminary organization of this attack group and the effective manner in which he subsequently employed the units of his command resulted in gaining surface contact with the enemy undersea craft after an extensive and determined search lasing for a period of three days. Final destruction of the enemy submarine was brought bout by repeated depth charges which forced it to the surface, whereupon it was sunk by the combined gunfire of five of the attacking units. This successful action contributed materially to the clearing of the Mediterranean Sea for the safe passage of Allied shipping. The exceptional ability, determination, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Converse reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Converse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Commander Naval Forces Europe: Serial 9840 (October 17, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Adelbert Frink Converse (NSN: 0-57502), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of Screening Destroyers during the invasion of Normandy, France, 6 to 15 June 1944, and during the engagement with enemy coastal batteries in the area of the port of Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944. The employment and direction of the activities of the destroyers by Captain Converse, while attached to the bombarding force, screening the major vessels and protecting the minesweepers under heavy and accurate enemy fire, contributed materially to the success of the mission. Without the fine performance of the vessels under his command, the highly successful results in silencing enemy batteries and in supporting the United States Army at a crucial period could not have been attained. The professional ability and devotion to duty exhibited by Captain Converse on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Converse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 2265 (May 29, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Adelbert Frink Converse (NSN: 0-57502), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations on the staff of Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, in the period November 1944 to May 1945. Captain Converse, under the direction of the Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, has planned and conducted the operations of the forces of the fleet with exceptional ability. His vision combined with keen understanding of the varied activities of the Fleet have been of exceptional assistance to the Commander in Chief in both the perfection of future plans, and in the direction of current operations. Under his guidance a far reaching offensive anti-submarine campaign has been carried out with marked success. Captain Converse’s remarkable professional skill, initiative, sound judgment, and utter devotion to duty have made his services of the greatest value to the Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet. His performance of duty as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Destroyer Squadron 10Action Date:
August 15 – 16, 1944
Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5705 (November 26, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Adelbert Frink Converse (NSN: 0-57502), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Destroyer Squadron TEN, embarked in the U.S.S. ELLYSON (DD-454), during the amphibious invasion of Southern France on 15 – 16 August 1944. Before, during and subsequent to the landing of the assault forces in the Center Attack Force Area the units under the command of Captain Converse delivered accurate and devastating close-in gunfire on numerous enemy gun emplacements, troop and tank concentrations and other strong points. His squadron was maneuvered throughout the critical assault phases with great skill and daring. The individual ships moved into their respective stations less than three thousand yards from the formidable enemy defenses and systematically neutralized or destroyed these enemy positions. The coordinated efforts of his forces in the covering of the landings by almost complete obliteration of all enemy points of opposition contributed materially to the practically unopposed landings effected by the assault troops and to the rapid extension of the Allied beachhead. The resolute action, aggressive leadership under fire and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Converse were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander 4th Fleet: Serial 0687 (April 3, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Adelbert Frink Converse (NSN: 0-57502), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. As Fleet Gunnery, War Plans and Training Officer, his keen judgment, clear perspective, and thorough knowledge of the problems at hand have contributed markedly to the successes and accomplishments of this command. During the expansion period of the FOURTH Fleet, he conceived and executed a brilliant program of training and planning which has proven a major contribution to the highly successful achievements of the FOURTH Fleet. His loyalty, devotion to duty, and excellent professional knowledge reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.