Anthony B. Akers’ FIRST Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

ENSIGN ANTHONY B. AKERS
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for distinguished gallantry and intrepidity in the performance of duty as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat THIRTY-FIVE (PT-35), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), on the occasion of the evacuation of President Manuel Quezon and party from Negros to Mindanao, Philippine islands. After his boat had struck a submerged life buoy and had started to sink, Ensign Akers maintained his protective patrol of the area, and in order to avoid disclosing the presence of the Squadron to the enemy destroyer known to be near the rendezvous, refrained from signaling for help until President Quezon had safely left the rendezvous. His action on this occasion is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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Born: Oct. 19, 1914 May 1919 in Charlotte, Texas… Awarded a second Silver Star for his role in Gen. Douglas Macarthur’s evacuation… Was John F. Kennedy’s squadron commander during training and the president appointed him Ambassador to New Zealand…