Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Navy
Albert Leroy David
- Rank: Lieutenant (junior grade) (Highest Rank: Lieutenant)
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Pillsbury (DE-133) - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: June 4, 1944
- Medal of Honor Action Place: off the coast of French West Africa, French West Africa
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. Pillsbury during the capture of an enemy German submarine off French West Africa, 4 June 1944. Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully coordinated attack on the German U-505 which climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, Lt. (then Lt. jg) David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in boarding the hostile submarine as it circled erratically at five or six knots on the surface. Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily sink or be blown up by exploding demolition and scuttling charges, he braved the added danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through the conning tower hatch and, with his small party, exerted every effort to keep the ship afloat and to assist the succeeding and more fully equipped salvage parties in making the U-505 seaworthy for the long tow across the Atlantic to a U.S. port. By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815, Lt. David contributed materially to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
- Accredited to: Missouri
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: November 9, 1945
presented by Vice Admiral A. S. Carpender to his widow at Great Lakes, Illinois.
- Born: July 18, 1902, Maryville, Nodaway County, MO, United States
- Died: September 17, 1945, Norfolk, VA, United States
- Buried: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (MH) (OS-125A), San Diego, CA, United States
- Location of Medal: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL