Image: Lieutenant David

Description: Lieutenant Junior Grade Albert L. David, USN. Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 172. Albert L. David was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on 4 June 1944, when he led a boarding party from Pillsbury (DE-133) to capture the German submarine U-505 after it had been forced to the surface. Though the submarine could have sunk or blown up at any time during the operation, David directed initial salvage efforts and ensured it was kept afloat. This was the first capture of an enemy warship on the high seas since 1815. Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant Albert Leroy David, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 172): "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, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade,) 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 the 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 United States port. By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the United States Navy since 1815, Lieutenant David contributed materially to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Title: Lieutenant David
Credit: Naval Historical Center Photo #: NH 105854
Author: USN
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No