Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

PT-131, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

May 1945

General citation:
"For gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of a Motor Torpedo Boat during combat patrols in New Britain from March through December 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

One account of this actions reads:
"Results from Kiriwina were, on the whole, disappointing. During nearly 5 months of operation, the PT's claimed only 1 lugger and 2 barges sunk or destroyed, 1 barge probably destroyed, and 3 barges damaged. On three occasions they attacked submarines with undetermined results. To a greater extent than anywhere else in the New Guinea campaign, the PT's were harassed by enemy planes, which twice dropped bombs close enough to wound men on the boats. Lt. (jg.) Joseph R. Ellicott, USNR, in PT 131 and Lt. (jg.) Robert R. Read, USNR, in PT 133 evened the score on the night of December 15/16 when they shot down an enemy four-engine seaplane off Gasmata."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338