Vilhelm Klein Busck

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Vilhelm Klein Busck, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, LST Group FIFTEEN during operations at Vella Lavella during the period 1 to 27 October 1943. On 1 October, when a ship under his command was set afire by dive-bombing attacks and her crew forced to abandon her, Commander Busck boarded the vessel alone and surveyed the extent of damage in the midst of flames and explosions from her ignited cargo of gasoline and ammunition. He expertly directed fire-fighting operations until repeated bombings rendered the ship untenable. Later, during the initial landing on the Treasury Islands, he calmly supervised unloading activities under hostile fire. Commander Busck’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. 336 (March 1945)