"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,
June 4, 1944. Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully coordinated
attack on the U-505 at the end of 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 at any moment 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 assist 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-of-war on the high seas
by the United States Navy since 1815, Lt. David contributed materially
to the effectiveness of the Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."
From Lt. David's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 5, 1945,
Thank you for your service,
Brian
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