IRA TAYLOR SANDERS Citation for Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes great pleasure in awarding the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to CAPTAIN IRA TAYLOR SANDERS UNITED STATES COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For meritorious service as Commander of Mobile Hydrographic Units during the capture of enemy Japanese-held islands from June 15, 1944 to August 12, 1944. Displaying coolness and ability in the face of strong hostile opposition, Captain (then Commander) Sanders directed his units in charting enemy-controlled waters, making it possible for heavier vessels to take safer and more advantageous positions for defeating the enemy. By his professional and zealous devotion to duty, Captain Sanders contributed materially to the success of Naval operations." Captain Sanders is authorized to wear the Combat "V". For the President, James Forrestal Secretary of the Navy The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the GOLD STAR in lieu of the Second Bronze Star Medal to COMMANDER IRA T. SANDERS UNITED STATES COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY for service as set forth in the following "For meritorious service as Commander of the Hydrographic Survey Group and Hydrographic Survey Officer on the Staff of the Commander Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa Campaigns from February 19 to May 17, 1945. Charged with hydrographic surveys at the objectives, Commander Sanders was also responsible for the accurate and timely surveys necessary for the amphibious landings. Personally supervising these surveys in the face of intense hostile fire and heavy aerial attacks by the enemy, Commander Sanders, by his courage, professional skill and devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of these two major campaigns. Commander Sanders is authorized to wear the Combat "V". For the President, John L. Sullivan Secretary of the Navy