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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Paul Brogden Koonce (NSN: 0-88086), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. MONTPELIER (CL-57), operating as Flagship of a Task Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kula Gulf in the Vila-Stanhope Area of Kolombangara, Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. When the Task Force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers, while proceeding to the target area, Captain Koonce ably directed his officers and men and, by his skillful seamanship, contributed materially to the success of the surface engagement and to the successful completion of the subsequent bombardment of the Japanese airfields and shore installations. His skill and courageous devotion to duty 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. Montpelier (CL-57)

    Action Date:

    October 30 – November 2, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Paul Brogden Koonce (NSN: 0-88086), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. MONTPELIER (CL-57), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 30 October to 2 November 1943. Under heavy fire from hostile shore batteries and air raids, Captain Koonce rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in the initial bombardment of Buka-Bonis and the first daylight attack on the Shortland Area. In addition to engaging a Japanese Task Force of superior fire power and sinking or damaging eight of the enemy’s warships, Task Force THIRTY-NINE, of which the MONTPELIER was a unit, successfully fought off a deadly attack by sixty-seven hostile bombers, shooting down seventeen and repelling the others. Throughout these actions, Captain Koonce’s accurate evaluation of the tactical situation and his sound judgment under fire contributed to the protection of our beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay and to the successful establishment of our land and air forces on Bougainville Island.