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”.)

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.