The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Captain Francis Compton Denebrink (NSN: 0-10970), United States Navy, for heroism and outstanding performance of duty as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BROOKLYN (CL-40), and Officer in Charge of rescue operations on 3 September 1942, when an uncontrollable and raging fire in the U.S.S. WAKEFIELD necessitated the removal of fifteen hundred passengers under hazardous conditions in submarine infested waters. When it was observed that the WAKEFIELD was burning beyond control, Captain Denebrink, with hazard to the ship’s company and with risk of damage to his ship, maneuvered the BROOKLYN alongside the port quarter of the WAKEFIELD with a smart display of seamanship and shiphandling on two separate occasions and took off a large number of passengers. At the same time he directed the activities of the other ships taking part in the rescue, which was carried out without the loss of life or material damage to the assisting ships. The initiative, judgment, prompt and decisive action displayed by Captain Denebrink on this occasion reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 1135 (March 29, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Francis Compton Denebrink (NSN: 0-10970), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Fleet Operational Training Command, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from February 1943 to March 1944. Captain Denebrink, by his high organizing and administrative ability, his zealous and untiring effort and devotion to duty, his vision and inspiring leadership as Chief of Staff, Fleet Operational Training Command, during the establishment and development of that command contributed materially to the success of the training of personnel for all types of ships under its cognizance. Captain Denebrink’s outstanding performance of duty reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 90 (November 3, 1955)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Vice Admiral Francis Compton Denebrink (NSN: 0-10970), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility while in command of the Arctic Operations in 1955. As Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Department of Defense, Admiral Denebrink directed the delivery by sea of vast cargoes of urgently needed construction materials, equipment and supplies for the Distant Early Warning chain of radar stations across Task Groups of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, Merchant Marine and Military Sea Transportation Service Ships, which successfully penetrated hitherto inaccessible Artic waterways to deliver on schedule more than 500,000 tons of cargo and approximately 3,500,000 barrels of bulk petroleum products to the remote Air Force Distant Early Warning Line sites and other military outposts beyond the Arctic Circle. By his personal initiative, extensive experience in military and cargo shipping operations and perseverance in the face of extremely adverse Arctic weather conditions, Admiral Denebrink contributed immeasurably to the final success of this vital operation. In discharging his great responsibilities in such an outstanding manner, Admiral Denebrink has made a substantial contribution to the national security, and his actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
October 24, 1947 – May 27, 1948
Board Serial 2941 (October 26, 1948The 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 to Rear Admiral Francis Compton Denebrink (NSN: 0-10970), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 24 October 1947 to 27 May 1948, while commanding Naval Task Group of Joint Task Force SEVEN operations, during atomic weapons tests. His accomplishments in insuring the successful operations of Joint Task Force SEVEN have been a major contribution to our National Atomic energy program.
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 36121 (August 17, 1945)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 to Rear Admiral Francis Compton Denebrink (NSN: 0-10970), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Fleet Operational Training Command, United States Pacific Fleet from April 1944 to July 1945. His professional ability and wide experience were of extreme importance in the administration of training programs for all types of ships, and thousands of officers and enlisted personnel. Ships were prepared to operate efficiently with other units, and crew were familiarized with new and improved equipment and advanced methods for its operation. In successfully providing for and accomplishing the tremendous task of preparing inexperienced forces to meet a ruthless and determined foe, Rear Admiral Denebrink contributed vitally toward our defeat of the Japanese Empire. His initiative, mature judgment, and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.