In early 1943, Japanese forces sent a supply convoy to reinforce their forces on the Aleutian Islands near the coast of Alaska.
The United States responded by sending a Cruiser Division 3, consisted of the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City, the light cruiser Richmond and the destroyers Coghlan, Bailey, Dale and Monaghan, under Rear admiral Charles McMorris.

The U.S. forces met Japanese ships near the Komandorski islands on March 26, 1943 and during a 3 and 1/2-hour engagement with an enemy force of far greater strength, Rodgers handled his cruiser with such excellent judgment and skill that she was able to inflict severe damage on one heavy cruiser and lesser damage on another heavy, and a light cruiser.
He was decorated with the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.
He also received his Navy Unit Commendation.
In early 1943, Japanese forces sent a supply convoy to reinforce their forces on the Aleutian Islands near the coast of Alaska. The United States responded by sending a Cruiser Division 3, consisted of the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City, the light cruiser Richmond and the destroyers Coghlan, Bailey, Dale and Monaghan, under Rear admiral Charles McMorris.
The U.S. forces met Japanese ships near the Komandorski islands on March 26, 1943 and during a 3 and 1/2-hour engagement with an enemy force of far greater strength, Rodgers handled his cruiser with such excellent judgment and skill that she was able to inflict severe damage on one heavy cruiser and lesser damage on another heavy, and a light cruiser. He was decorated with the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat. He also received his Navy Unit Commendation.
Bertram J. Rodgers