Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216), U.S. Navy

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHN D. EDWARDS (DD-216), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 - 20 February 1942. Commander Eccles delivered a well-directed and gallant attack by gun and torpedo fire against a vastly superior force of enemy vessels. Although the ship which he commanded was illuminated by the enemy and under heavy fire, its fire scored several hits which damaged the enemy ships and silenced their fire. Commander Eccles' inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of this vital mission and reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 1945

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHN D. EDWARDS (DD-216), during the Battle of the Java Sea, 27 February 1942, and in offensive daylight action against the Japanese Battle Line of heavy and light cruisers. Courageous and aggressive in the face of severe enemy fire, Commander Eccles fought his ship boldly throughout this hazardous engagement, going in unsupported, as a unit of a Destroyer Division, to deliver a successful torpedo attack in two stages against the Japanese cruisers, forcing them to break off the attack and enabling the Allied ships to regain their battle formation. Commander Eccles' inspiring leadership and the valiant fighting spirit of the officers and men under his command reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1942

"For excellent deeds in naval combat Lombak Strait in which the force majeure consisting of heavy cruisers and fighters was successfully fought."

Royal Decree no. 1 (replaced by the Bronze Lion)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1942

Royal Decree no. 1 (replaced by the Bronze Lion)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. John D. Edwards (DD-216), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1942

First Bronze Cross with Honourable Mention, later Replaced with the Bronze lion. Royal decree no.1

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

COMSERVPAC, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

June 1946

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Officer-in-Charge of the Advance Base Section, on staff of ComServPac, from December 1943 to December 1945.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 351

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)