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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Edwin Boardman Dexter (NSN: 0-62034), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area, on the night of 17 – 18 February 1945. Skillfully handling his destroyer, Captain Dexter participated in a surface engagement with three enemy ships and, delivering accurate fire from his vessel, contributed materially to the destruction of the hostile ships. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Barton (DD-599)

    Action Date:

    March 21 – May 20, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific Fleet: Serial 04002 (July 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Edwin Boardman Dexter (NSN: 0-62034), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BARTON (DD-599), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Okinawa Jima from 21 March to 20 May 1945. With his ship assigned to the covering and gunfire support groups, Captain Dexter performed anti-suicide and small boat patrol and maintained a screen for heavy ships during the approach to the objective area and after the initial landing, furnished anti-aircraft fire. An able leader, he directed his ship in shooting down three hostile planes, in destroying two suicide boats and probably an enemy midget submarine and in conducting radar countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Dexter is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Barton (DD-599)

    Action Date:

    January 3 – 18, 1945
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 30976 (February 17, 1947)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Barton (DD-599)

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03024 (February 4, 1947)

    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.