Claude Ulysses Bishop, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Claude Ulysses Bishop, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of a United States Naval Advanced Reconnaissance Party, which was attacked by superior and overwhelming enemy ground forces between Pontorson and Dol, France, on 2 August 1944. Lieutenant Commander Bishop skillfully deployed and directed his men, who were untrained in infantry tactics, so as to prevent the encircling of the Reconnaissance Party and hold off the enemy until reinforcements arrived several hours later to cover the retreat of the party. After the death or injury of the Senior Officers, Lieutenant Commander Bishop assumed command of the party, contributing immeasurably toward saving the lives of the great majority of the naval and military personnel involved. Throughout the action, Lieutenant Commander Bishop did not fail to appreciate the superiority of the opposition and the relative inexperience of his own force and its lack of proper munitions. The orders he gave were clear and well-conceived, and he made sure that every possible officer and man received them. While directing the defense of the party and organizing the withdrawal to safe ground, he remained in dangerously exposed positions, and his gallant action and leadership inspired confidence in those under his command. By displaying such courage and resourcefulness he succeeded in withdrawing the Reconnaissance Party with the minimum of casualties, notwithstanding the overwhelming superiority of the opposition. His intrepidity and courageous leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 12th Fleet: Serial 11306 (November 15, 1944)