Return to Frequently
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Return to Frequently
Asked Questions page. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy. Born: 18 July 1902, Maryville, Mo. Accredited to: Missouri. Other Navy award: Navy Cross with gold star.
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. Pillsbury
during the capture of an enemy German submarine off French West
Africa, 4 June 1944. Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully
coordinated attack on the German U-505
which climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, Lt. (then
Lt. j.g.) David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in
boarding the hostile submarine as it circled erratically at 5
or 6 knots on the surface. Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily
sink or be blown up by exploding demolition and scuttling charges,
he braved the added danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through
the conning tower hatch and, with his small party, exerted every
effort to keep the ship afloat and to ass1st the succeeding and
more fully equipped salvage parties in making the U-505
seaworthy for the long tow across the Atlantic to a U.S. port.
By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and
capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy
since 1815, Lt. David contributed materially to the effectiveness
of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions
of the U.S. Naval Service.