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.

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”.)

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.