Arthur William Knispel

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Arthur William Knispel, Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of a party of nine men who boarded and captured the German Submarine U-505,on 4 June 1944, off Cape Blanco in French West Africa. When this party boarded the submarine it was still underway and was running on the surface in a circle, the crew having just been driven overboard by gunfire from the ships and aircraft of Task Group 22.3. There was every reason to believe that there were still enemy personnel below setting demolition charges and scuttling but Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class Knispel and two others plunged down the conning tower hatch prepared to fight it out with any enemy personnel they found. Then, although water was pouring into the U-boat and there was the strong possibility that it would blow up or sink at any moment, he remained below and assisted in salvaging the submarine and keeping it afloat so that eventually the submarine was towed to Bermuda. Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class Knispel’s conduct reflects great credit on the Naval Service and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy.