Text transcribed below | Go to Page two | Read more about the Medal for Merit's history
TOP SECRET
Op-20-2/L-esb
Serial 00067P20
(SC)P15
NAVY DEPARTMENT
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Washing 25, D.C.
TOP SECRET
8 FEB 1947
From: Chief of Naval Operations.
To: Secretary of the Navy (Board of Decorations and Awards).
Subj: Joseph R. Desch - Recommendation for award of Medal for Merit.
Encl: (A) Proposed letter of Commendation.
1. At the beginning of the war the technical problems facing the Commnications Intelligence Organization assumed a complexity requiring the application of the most advanced basic knowledge in the field of electronic counting and associated acts. In fact, the solution of some of these problems required significant advances in basic knowledge as well as immediate application of such advances.
2. After a survey of available technical talent, the Navy selected Mr. Joseph R. Desch of the National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, as the most promising scientist in the field. A Naval facility (the U.S. Naval Computing Machine Laboratory) was set up at the National Cash Register Company to provide a means whereby the skill of Mr. Desch could effectively be brought to bear on the special technical problems associated with Communications Intelligence. Thoughout the war Mr. Desch served the U.S. Naval Computing Machine Laboratory as its research director.
3. The successes of the Communications Intelligence Organization in the effective prosecution of the war are a matter of record. Many of these successes rest upon technical achievements iin basic research and development which were the direct result of the brilliant originality, superb skill, and immeasurable perseverance of Mr. Joseph R. Desch.
Go to Page two
Wonder what else is here?
Try the Sitemap
Lost? You are at