He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his outstanding service while commanding a PBY Catalina during a bombing attack on a Japanese naval force in Jolo Harbor, Sulu, Philippines, 27 December 1941.

She got underway on 26 November for the invasion of the Gilberts, screened a convoy to Tarawa, then patrolled off Makin until 23 December when she returned to Pearl Harbor.

Deede arrived at Majuro on 3 February 1944 for service as harbor pilot and patrol vessel during the occupation of that island.

She remained off Iwo Jima on patrol until 20 March when she screened the transports returning the 4th Marines to Pearl Harbor, arriving on 4 April.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.