*DAVID, ALBERT LEROY
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior
Grade, U.S. Navy. Born: 18 July 1902, Maryville, Mo. Accredited to:
Missouri. Other Navy award: Navy Cross with gold star.
Citation:
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. j.g.) David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in boarding the
hostile submarine as it circled erratically at 5 or 6 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 ass1st 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.
