BULKELEY, JOHN DUNCAN
Rank and organization: Lieutenant
Commander, Commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, U.S. Navy. Place and date:
Philippine waters, 7 December 1941 to 10 April 1942. Entered service at: Texas. Born:
19 August 1911, New York, N.Y. Other awards: Navy Cross, Distinguished Service
Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit.
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and conspicuous gallantry above and
beyond the call of duty as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, in Philippine
waters during the period 7 December 1941 to 10 April 1942. The remarkable achievement of
Lt. Comdr. Bulkeley's command in damaging or destroying a notable number of Japanese enemy
planes, surface combatant and merchant ships, and in dispersing landing parties and
land-based enemy forces during the 4 months and 8 days of operation without benefit of
repairs, overhaul, or maintenance facilities for his squadron, is believed to be without
precedent in this type of warfare. His dynamic forcefulness and daring in offensive
action, his brilliantly planned and skillfully executed attacks, supplemented by a unique
resourcefulness and ingenuity, characterize him as an outstanding leader of men and a
gallant and intrepid seaman. These qualities coupled with a complete disregard for his own
personal safety reflect great credit upon him and the Naval Service .
