T O P S E C R E T
Op-20-2/L-esb
Serial 00067P20
(SC)P15
Subj: Joseph R. Desch - Recommendation for award of Medal for Merit
4. The work of Mr. Desch was of vital importance to the solution of problems and the design of equipment which were absolutely necessary to the success of many operations. His exceptional brilliance in the design of a particular type of analytical equipment was largely responsible for the successful operation of this equipment which played a major role in the battle of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean campaigns and the Normandy landing. In addition to carrying out the design of equipment which was based on tolerances of almost unachievable exactness, Mr. Desch was forced to design and develop special vacuum tubes and to carry out investigations in the chemical compositon of electrical components as well as to develop special plastic materials in which to imbed these components. The complexity of this equipment is indicated by the fact that one unit contained several thousand tubes and relays and over a million soldered connections. There is no case on record in which such advanced techniques were incorporated into equipment of such complexity under such pressure. The succesful operation of this equipment for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the critical period of the battle of the Atlantic is witness to the consummate sklll of Mr. Desch.
5. During the European campaign technical advances made by the enemy required sitll further requipment development. He designed and built equiprment for this emergency also which was highly successful and played an important role in the battle for Germany. In numerous instances, in spite of independent attacks on these technical problems, by the British and other American engineers, the only effective solution was that obtained by Mr. Desch.
6. Because of his outstanding services in the furtherance of the war effort of the United States adn his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of them, it is recommended that the Medal for Merit be awarded to Joseph R. Desch
D. C. RamseyVice
Chief of Naval Operations
(Admiral Ramsey had a distinguished military record--read about him here
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Latest update December 4, 2008