The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Edwin Boardman Dexter (NSN: 0-62034), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 3 to 18 January 1945. Although constantly subjected to persistent and dangerous hostile bombing and suicide plane attacks and to fire from enemy shore and surface batteries, Captain Dexter skillfully directed his ship in bombing Japanese shore positions, in performing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine screening duties, in destroying enemy surface craft and in providing anti-aircraft and shore fire support of minesweeper units in this area. By his courageous leadership and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of the BARTON in this vital engagement and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Edwin Boardman Dexter (NSN: 0-62034), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 7 December 1944. Captain Dexter fought his ship with a high degree of skill and courage and, delivering accurate fire on enemy shore defenses and attacking enemy aircraft, contributed materially to the success of our forces in the area. His leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Dexter and the United States Naval Service.