P15/MM/FF13-6
Serial: 1322

22 March 1944

From: Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

To: O'Connor, James C., Coxswain, U.S. Navy

Subject: Commendation

1. Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, notes with interest and gratification the report of your
performance of duty on board the U.S.S. TURNER (DD648) on the morning of January 3, 1944, during
explosions and raging fires in that vessel.

 

2. On this occasion, you went forward, rescued two wounded shipmates and carried them to safety. You then
joined a fire fighting party to combat the serious fires, and you later attempted to go to the aid of an officer by
climbing the bridge structure, which was enveloped in smoke and flames.

 

3. Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, commends you on your highly creditable performance of duty
and your assistance to your shipmates.

 

Signed
J. Cary Jones