Theodore Davis Ruddock, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Theodore Davis Ruddock, Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Group 77.12, during operations in support of the assault and landings at Mindoro in the Philippine Islands during the period 12 to 17 December 1944. Rear Admiral Ruddock held his battleships, escort carriers, cruisers and destroyers to an undeviating course through the dangerous waters of the Mindanao and Sulu seas and, within easy striking distance of about 600 hostile aircraft. Fighting off savage aerial onslaughts, he directed a continuous, accurate bombardment of coastal defenses, providing effective protection for our ground forces throughout the landing operations. Rear Admiral Ruddock’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.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Theodore Davis Ruddock, Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Battleship Division FOUR, in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet at the Surigao Straits during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. With his division placed in the strategic T-formation, Rear Admiral Ruddock directed shattering broadsides against a formidable column of Japanese warships. Before they could return effective fire, two enemy battleships and three destroyers were annihilated. Rear Admiral Ruddock’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.