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Lieutenant Commander
Shouldice, D'Arcy V. Navy Navy Cross
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER D'ARCY VIRGINIUS
SHOULDICE United States Navy
For extraordinary heroism as
Commander of Mine Division THIRTY ONE and in Tactical Command of
that Division during mine sweeping operations off Wonsan Harbor on
the Coast of Korea on 12 October 1950. When two heavy mine sweepers
of another Division were mined within a few minutes of each other
and were still under severe enemy gunfire from hostile shore
batteries, Lieutenant Commander Shouldice led his Division into
supporting positions exposed to enemy fire in order to rescue
survivors and to take in tow a third heavy mine sweeper. Manuevering
his command skillfully throughout this operation in unswept and
densely mined waters, he returned effective gunfire against enemy
shore batteries until his Division and tow had reached safe waters
without further loss or serious damage. In the following days,
Lieutenant Commander Shouldice continued to lead his Division in the
vital task of sweeping heavily mined areas until an anchorage and a
channel had been cleared to the landing beaches, thereby
contributing essentially to the success of Naval operations in the
Wonsan area. His inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
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