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Alton
Louis Clifford
Waldron

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New York

Alton Waldron graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    United States Minesweeper

    Action Date:

    March 23 – May 3, 1945
    Commander Minesweepers Pacific Fleet: Serial 1439 (May 21, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Alton Louis Clifford Waldron (NSN: 0-82694), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Commanding Officer of a United States Minesweeper during the Okinawa operations from 23 March 1945 to 3 May 1945. In spite of the proximity to enemy shore batteries and through numerous enemy air attacks, he brought his ship through an exacting minesweeping operation without personnel or material casualty. Also serving on Radar Picket Station, his ship gave timely warning and direction during enemy air attacks, destroying six of the attacking planes and contributing to the destruction of many more. During one enemy air attack he recovered survivors from another ship of his unit which had been hit by a suicide aircraft. His efficiency, skill, performance of duty, and keen judgment contributed materially to the success of the operation, and his conduct at all times was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hopkins (DD-249)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1942 – July 14, 1943
    Commander South Pacific Area and Force: Serial 001538 (August 18, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Alton Louis Clifford Waldron (NSN: 0-82694), 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 Destroyer-Minesweeper U.S.S. HOPKINS (DD-249) in action against Japanese forces during the Guadalcanal, Russell Island, and New Georgia campaigns covering the period from 26 October 1942 to 14 July 1943. During the above mentioned period his ship was subjected to one major and numerous minor enemy air attacks. Lieutenant Waldron, displaying courage and efficiency directed the fire of the ship’s battery so successfully that one enemy plane was destroyed and his ship protected from damage. Throughout the long and arduous tour of duty his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Waldron is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)