For heroic conduct during operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area. As Commander of a task group escorting vessels to this vicinity, he skillfully deployed his screen of escorts to repel persistent enemy air attacks. Only two ships of the convoy were damaged by planes that penetrated the screen. By his prompt action he succeeded in rescuing several hundred men who were forced to abandon ship. his resourcefulness, initiative and coolness under fire enabled him to bring the convoy to the base with comparatively small loss.