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 with Combat “V” to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Destroyer Squadron FORTY-SIX and as Screen Commander of Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT ONE during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 24 August to 30 October 1944. Skillfully maneuvering the screen throughout the attacks on Palau, Formosa and the Philippine Islands, Captain Espe contributed greatly to the protection of the Task Group while operating in enemy waters under heavy aerial attack and constant submarine threat and, by prompt decisive action, rendered effective service many times in the rescue of pilots. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Espe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 50 (May 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander Destroyer Sound Screen of a Destroyer Squadron, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Makin, Tarawa and Abemama in the Gilbert Islands, from 10 to 27 November 1943. Through his exceptional directive ability and his comprehensive understanding of each tactical situation, Captain Espe effectively deployed ships of the Sound Screen to provide protection for the Task Group operating in enemy submarine-infested waters. By his personal valor, inspiring leadership and daring initiative, Captain Espe contributed materially to the success of our assault forces in that vital theater of war, and his outstanding devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
February 16 & 17 and 21 & 22, 1944
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 66 (April 18, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Destroyer Squadron during action against enemy Japanese forces on Truk, 16 and 17 February 1944, and during raids on the Saipan-Tinian Area on 21 and 22 February 1944. With units of his squadron subjected to continuous day and night torpedo and bombing attacks, Captain Espe directed the ships under his command in assisting in the destruction of two hostile planes and, maintaining a protective position for the carriers, enabled the Task Group to proceed to the initial launching point and carry out a damaging air attack against enemy shipping, aircraft and shore installations on these strategically important islands. By his leadership and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Espe contributed materially to the success of these operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Espe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Bronze Star Medal
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 464 (September 25, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commander Destroyer Squadron FORTY-SIX, attached to Task Group FIFTY-EIGHT POINT ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific Area, from 6 June to 8 August 1944. After the Japanese carrier air power was destroyed and the Japanese Fleet heavily damaged and driven to home waters, Captain Espe led his ships in rescuing personnel from a large number of carrier planes which had been forced to land in the water. Later he participated in the bombardments of Iwo Jima, Guam and Chichi Jima, destroying hostile installations, and on the night of 4 August, assisted in intercepting the remnants of a Japanese convoy by demolishing one AK and a DD. His skill, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Espe is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
All Hands (August 1962)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from May 1958 to April 1962 as Commandant, FIRST Naval District; Commander, U.S. Naval Base, Boston, Massachusetts, and Commander, U.S. Naval Base, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Rear Admiral Espe effectively coordinated the efforts of the several naval commands in the FIRST Naval District, materially strengthening and making more responsive their support to the Navy. A dynamic and forceful leader, he expertly welded the various elements of his command into a highly integrated, cohesive unit to assure a maximum return in effectiveness and readiness of assigned forces. He succeeded in solving a host of complex problems involving a combination of military and civilian policies, thereby enhancing the prestige of the Navy.
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Legion of Merit
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 51802 (November 24, 1945)The 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 Captain Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Member of a Planning Board in the Plans Division of the Staff of the Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Area, in connection with operations against enemy Japanese forces from 13 January to 1 September 1945. Utilizing his thorough knowledge of Naval and Military operations, Captain Espe assisted in preparing plans for the capture and occupation of the Japanese Empire and adjacent locations, for the opening and maintenance of a sea route for Allied vessels and for operations subsequent to the surrender of the Japanese. By his professional ability and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of our Armed Forces in the Pacific War Area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
October 8, 1951 – March 29, 1952
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Carl Frederick Espe (NSN: 0-57547/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a position of great responsibility between 8 October 1951 and 29 March 1952. Rear Admiral Espe served with great distinction as Commander Amphibious Group ONE and as Commander Task Force NINETY, in connection with operations against enemy forces in the Korean area. He was outstandingly successful in effecting large scale movements of military personnel, equipment, and prisoners of war. His skillful planning and expeditious execution of amphibious troop movements was exemplified on the occasion of the rapid redeployment between Japan and Korea of approximately 62,000 troops, 16,000 short tons of cargo, and 1,620 vehicles. In addition to his outstanding contribution to the success of operations in Korea as Commander of Amphibious forces, he rendered valuable service in providing logistic support and amphibious training for U.S. Army units of Division strength. Throughout this period of service Rear Admiral Espe exhibited aggressive leadership, initiative, and a thorough knowledge of amphibious tactics. His distinguished service reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.