CAPTAIN MALCOLM M. CHAMPLIN, U.S. Naval Reserve, Allied Naval Forces, Basing Eastern Australia. For distinguished service in action and efficiency in time of stress during bombardment of Cavite, P.I.

On December 25, 1941, you proceeded to Manila from Corregidor and carried out the important and very difficult mission of destroying all bulk fuel oil, Diesel oil and aviation gasoline without settin fire to the city or pumping it into the harbor, thereby displaying initiative, tact, and resourcefulness to a very high degree.

On December 27, 1941, you proceeded to Sangley Point from Corregidor in charge of a party which carried out the very difficult and hazardous mission of destroying the ammunition dump at Sunset Beach (including one hundred mines whose construction was of a highly confidential nature) together with other military stores and equipment at Cavite and Sangley Point. Failure to destroy the foregoing would have resulted in very grave military consequences.

Throughout the period of December 8, 1941 to March 11, 1942, in carrying out your duties as my Flag Lieutenant you also carried out many other assignments on Corregidor, Bataan and Mariveles, you showed a particularly high degree of efficiency in time of stress, and while I take pleasure in presenting you with this well-merited award for duty well done, I also hope that it will serve as a personal reminder of those difficult days which we spent together at Cavite, at Stangley Point and at Corregidor.

(Signed by Rear Admiral F. W. Rockwell, U.S. Navy, Commander Allied Naval Forces Basing Eastern Australia)

Captain Champlin resides in California.