Medal of Honor: John D. Bulkeley – World War II – December 7, 1941 to April 10, 1942

Name: John Duncan Bulkeley

Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Organization: U.S. Navy
Unit: Commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3
Place and Date: Philippine Waters – 7 December 1941 to 10 April 1942
Entered Service At: Texas
Born: August 19, 1911 – New York, New York
Departed: April 6, 1996
Accredited To: Texas
Other Awards: Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit

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Summary of Action

Between December 7, 1941, and April 10, 1942, Lieutenant Commander John D. Bulkeley led Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 through one of the most remarkable fighting withdrawals in U.S. naval history. Operating with obsolete PT boats lacking maintenance, spare parts, or safe harbor, Bulkeley and his men launched repeated attacks against Japanese aircraft, landing parties, and surface vessels throughout the Philippine campaign.

Despite the overwhelming odds, his small squadron damaged or destroyed multiple ships, harassed enemy landings, disrupted movements along the coast, and provided a lifeline for isolated units. Bulkeley’s relentless aggression and audacity kept the Japanese off-balance and injected hope into the surrounded defenders of Bataan and Corregidor.

His squadron conducted rescue missions under fire, carried vital communications and personnel between collapsing front lines, and continued offensive operations even as engines failed, hulls cracked, and supplies ran out. Bulkeley himself became legendary for daring nighttime torpedo attacks, close-range gunfire duels, and for repeatedly braving enemy-held waters in craft that by all rights should have been retired.

Ultimately, it was Bulkeley’s squadron that carried General Douglas MacArthur, his family, and senior staff from Corregidor to Mindanao during the escape ordered by President Roosevelt. Bulkeley stayed behind to continue operations until his boats could no longer fight — and then escaped with only the clothes he wore.

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Medal of Honor Citation

For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, in Philippine waters during the period 7 December 1941 to 10 April 1942. The remarkable achievement of Lt. Comdr. Bulkeley’s command in damaging or destroying a notable number of Japanese enemy planes, surface combatant and merchant ships, and in dispersing landing parties and land-based enemy forces during the 4 months and 8 days of operation without benefit of repairs, overhaul, or maintenance facilities for his squadron, is believed to be without precedent in this type of warfare. His dynamic forcefulness and daring in offensive action, his brilliantly planned and skillfully executed attacks, supplemented by a unique resourcefulness and ingenuity, characterize him as an outstanding leader of men and a gallant and intrepid seaman. These qualities, coupled with a complete disregard for his own personal safety, reflect great credit upon him and the Naval Service.