Momsen commanded the battleship '' South Dakota '' from December 1944 through August 1945 . For his distinguished service in command , Momsen was awarded a Gold Star ( with Combat " V " ) , in lieu of a third award of the Legion of Merit . In addition to the Navy Cross once and the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars ( to show repeat awards ) and " V " device , Momsen earned the Navy Distinguished Service Medal , Army Distinguished Service Medal , Navy Commendation Medal with " V " device , World War I Victory Medal with escort clasp , American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp , American Campaign Medal , Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four service stars , World War II Victory Medal , Navy Occupation Service Medal , National Defense Service Medal , Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star and the Submarine Warfare insignia
World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal (United States)
Charles Momsen