Press Release, Presentation of Awards from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Commander Robert Anderson and USS Nautilus Crew

FOR RELEASE AT 2:00 P. M. EDT, AUGUST 8, 1958 I James C. Hagerty, Press Secretary to the President THE WHITE HOUSE The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the LEGION OF MERIT to COMMANDER W. R. ANDERSON, UNITED STATES NAVY for services as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS during operations in the Arctic Ocean as set forth below: CITATION: "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SSN-571) during the period 8 June 1958 to 5 August 1958. Commander Anderson, by farsighted planning, skilled seamanship and thorough study of the Arctic area, succeeded in cruising NAUTILUS across the top of the world from the Bering Sea to the Greenland Sea, passing submerged beneath the geographic North Pole. Under his intrepid leader- ship, NAUTILUS pioneered a submerged sea lane between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. This points the way for further exploration and possible use of this route by nuclear powered cargo submarines as a new commercial seaway between the major oceans of the world. Commander Anderson's leadership, skillful application of professional knowledge, and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States." The White House August 1958