Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Bernard William Freund (NSN: 0-71558), United States Navy, for heroic service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BULLARD (DD-660), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific Waters, on the night of 19 – 20 March 1945. Going to the aid of the badly damaged U.S.S. FRANKLLIN, Commander Freund skillfully maneuvered his ship alongside the stricken carrier to assist in extinguishing fires on the hangar deck. Despite the carrier’s heavy list, the dangers of further internal explosions and of additional enemy air attacks, he held his ship close alongside for more than three hours until the fires were extinguished. By his outstanding courage and skill in handling his ship, he contributed materially to the successful retirement of the FRANKLIN to a rear base. His leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Freund is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bullard (DD-660)

    Action Date:

    April 11, 16 & 17, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force: Serial 0578 (September 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Bernard William Freund (NSN: 0-71558), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BULLARD (DD-660), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 11, 16 and 17 April 1945. Courageous in the face of hostile air attacks, Commander Freund skillfully directed his ship’s gunfire throughout these actions and keeping damage to his craft to a minimum, contributed to the success of the BULLARD in destroying two enemy planes and in assisting in the destruction of an additional four. By his professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty, Commander Freund upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Freund is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bullard (DD-660)

    Action Date:

    November 11 & 18 – 26, 1943
    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 Commander Bernard William Freund (NSN: 0-71558), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BULLARD (DD-660), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Rabaul Harbor, 11 November 1943, and the invasion and occupation of the Gilbert Islands, 18 to 26 November 1943. Courageous and aggressive in the face of sustained and intense enemy air attacks while operating within easy bombing range of Japanese bases, Commander Freund boldly fought off the attackers in defense of his ship and of the entire Task Group, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. By his professional skill, valiant service and unfaltering devotion to duty throughout the prolonged siege of the Gilberts and the previous attack on Rabaul, Commander Freund succeeded in bringing his ship through undamaged, thereby contributing materially to the success of the Task Group’s vital mission in this theater of war. His inspiring conduct under fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.