Donald Temple Eller

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Donald Temple Eller, Commander [then Commander], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BURNS (DD-588), during a War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Skillfully maneuvering his vessel to strike at enemy shipping, Captain Eller launched a bold, aggressive attack in the face of heavy and persistent hostile countermeasures, to sink an entire Japanese convoy including one tanker, one supply ship and two smaller craft. His inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.