Mahlon Street Tisdale

The Navy Cross is presented to Mahlon Street Tisdale, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished and valuable service on the staff of the commander, U.S. Naval Forces in France.

Birth: 12/6/1890 – Wenona, IL

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Mahlon Street Tisdale, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Force WILLIAM (TF-57), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in enemy-controlled waters during the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Succeeding to command of the task force, Rear Admiral Tisdale continued gun action until all enemy ships within range were destroyed and later conducted a bold search for enemy vessels along probable routes of retreat. Rear Admiral Tisdale’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 318 (September 1943)