The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander David Shelton Edwards, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Flag Secretary and Planning and Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander of a Cruiser Division from 19 May 1943 to 1 November 1944. A capable and thorough administrator, experienced in combat and skilled in the formulation and execution of plans, he discharged his varied and important responsibilities with distinction and effectiveness during a period of almost continuous operations against major Japanese-held islands in the Central and Southeast Pacific areas. Meticulous in his indoctrination throughout the planning phase of numerous bombardment engagements, and coverage of air strikes and landings by our forces; and displaying cool and decisive judgment while under repeated enemy aerial attacks, he contributed essentially to the immediate success of his Cruiser Division and to the long range effectiveness of our sustained drive against the Japanese. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Bronze Star Medal
Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 00463-859 (June-July 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander David Shelton Edwards, Jr., United States Navy, for heroic service as Senior Aide, Operations Officer and Flag Secretary to Commander Cruiser Division THIRTEEN, in action against enemy forces in the Mediterranean and in the North, South and Central Pacific War Areas from May 1943 to March 1945. A skillful and courageous leader, Commander Edwards assisted in the preparation of the plans and direction of the successful deployment of the ships of the Division for air strikes, observation reconnaissance and support bombardments against the enemy. By his professional skill, untiring efforts and devotion to duty, he contributed immeasurably to the success of his division in the assault operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Edwards is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
-
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant David Shelton Edwards, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Starboard Five-inch Battery Control Officer (Sky Forward), during the operations of United States Naval Forces in the action against Japanese Naval Forces off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Throughout the action Lieutenant Edwards maintained his station in Sky Forward and directed the fire of the Starboard Five-inch Battery in an excellent and resourceful manner. He picked up targets quickly, spotted correctly even though the ship was under devastating enemy fire during the action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.