Sub-Lieut. A. M. Andresen

Awarded American Decoration

SUB. LIEUTENANT Albert M. Andre sen, of the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve, well-known in the British Solomon Islands, was re-

cently awarded the United States Medal of Freedom. The citation says;— “For meritorious service which has aided the prosecution of the war against Japan in the Southwest Pacific Area,

from 7th April to Ist October, 1943, and from 9th March to 26th May, 1944.

“Lieutenant Andresen established a coast-watching post on Ysabel Island, overlooking Rekata Bay, a Japanese sea plane base, and accurately reported all movements of enemy air and surface craft in that area. In addition, he was instrumental in the rescue of United States flyers downed in hostile territory.

His timely reporting and capable direc tion of air strikes against the base made possible its expeditious capture by allied forces.

“Later, assigned to a coast-watching post on Choiseul Island, he patrolled the enemy perimeter and, by his aggresive action, confined the Japanese sphere of operations to the extreme northmost portion of the Island.

“Through his outstanding knowledge of intelligence, transmission, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Andre sen made a noteworthy contribution to the success of military operations in the Southwest Pacific Area.”

Lieut. A. M. Andresen.