Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James Boyd Rutter, Jr. (NSN: 0-77060), 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 U.S.S. PHILIP (DD-498), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon, Bismarck and Mariana Islands Areas from 1 February to 1 August 1944. Operating with a close-in fire support unit during these operations, Commander Rutter directed his ship in delivering accurate and effective gunfire against enemy installations, shore batteries and barges, carrying out his missions courageously and skillfully despite poorly charted waters, attacks by hostile aircraft and shore-battery fire. By his professional ability, forceful leadership and devotion to duty under fire, Commander Rutter contributed to the success of invasion operations in these areas, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Philip (DD-498)

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1944 – January 2, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Boyd Rutter, Jr. (NSN: 0-77060), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PHILIP (DD-498), in operations against enemy Japanese forces, while escorting a Re-Supply Echelon between Leyte Gulf and Mangarin Bay, Mindoro, Philippine Islands, from 27 December 1944 to 2 January 1945. Instantly bringing the PHILIP alongside a stricken destroyer of his convoy group despite the hazards of raging fires, ammunition explosions and burning depth charges, Commander Rutter worked untiringly to render assistance to the burning ship and, by his determination and initiative, was instrumental in extinguishing its fires and in saving a valuable combat vessel for further service. Constantly alert and aggressive during a savage four-day battle with intercepting enemy aircraft, Commander Rutter skillfully maneuvered his ship to avoid Japanese bombs and suicide planes and, in addition, contributed materially to the destruction of thirty-seven hostile planes in this operation. His expert ship handling, courage, and zealous devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.