Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Lester Cameron Conwell (NSN: 0-72335), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. KERMIT ROOSEVELT (ARG-16), in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 15 August 1950 to 23 July 1951. Throughout this period, Commander Conwell discharged his duties with marked skill and foresight and maintained a high state of readiness within the KERMIT ROOSEVELT. A diligent and resourceful officer, he was directly responsible for the vital emergency repair services afforded the SEVENTH Fleet at various ports in Japan and Korea and, during the employment of his ship at Hungnam in support of the evacuation forces, directed emergency repair services on all types of ships, although at times under intense hostile fire. By his outstanding professional ability, courage and zealous devotion to duty, Commander Conwell contributed materially to the success of vital operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Conwell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Chauncey (DD-667)

    Action Date:

    November 11 & 18 – 26, 1943
    Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 50 (May 14, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Lester Cameron Conwell (NSN: 0-72335), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHAUNCEY (DD-667), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the attack on Rabaul Harbor, 11 November 1943, and the invasion and occupation of the Gilbert Islands 18 to 26 November 1943. Courageous and aggressive in the face of three concentrated enemy aerial attacks, Commander Conwell boldly fought his ship in defense of the entire Task Group, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. By his professional skill, valiant service and unfaltering devotion to duty throughout the prolonged siege of the Gilbert and the previous attack on Rabaul, he succeeded in bringing his own ship through undamaged and in providing effective protection to all the units of the Task Group, thereby contributing materially to the success of these vital missions. Commander Conwell’s inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1952 – April 23, 1953
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 2072 (November 23, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Lester Cameron Conwell (NSN: 0-72335), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Division SEVENTY-TWO, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 26 December 1952 to 23 April 1953. Throughout this period, Captain Conwell discharged his many responsibilities with exceptional skill and leadership and maintained the ships of his division at peak operating efficiency. While serving as Commander Task Unit NINETY-FIVE POITN TWO POINT ONE along the enemy-held coast of North Korea, the ships under his immediate command, including his flagship, were on numerous occasions subjected to enemy gunfire. Through his sound tactical ability, effective counter battery fire was directed at the enemy positions, resulting in heavy damage to the active gun emplacements and in the infliction of serious casualties among enemy gun crews. A capable and resourceful officer, he conducted nine successful search and rescue missions and supervised the evacuation of a damaged friendly mine sweeper from an area of enemy gunfire. By his expert seamanship, aggressiveness and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Conwell contributed in large measure to the success of Destroyer Division SEVENTY-TWO and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Conwell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Chauncey (DD-667)

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1943 – March 3, 1945
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 030464 (June 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Lester Cameron Conwell (NSN: 0-72335), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHAUNCEY (DD-667), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 8 November 1943 to 3 March 1945. Displaying able leadership and excellent judgment during sustained operations against the enemy, Commander Conwell fought his ship throughout the landings on Saipan, Guam and Leyte and contributed materially to the success of these operations. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Conwell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)